Clay County, Alabama tornadoes

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24confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: January 3, 2023, EF0. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary

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Map

Every tornado path in the county

Tornado paths, 1950 to 2025
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(E)F0(E)F1(E)F2(E)F3(E)F4(E)F5Unrated

Each path is a straight line from where the tornado started to where it ended, which is all most NOAA records hold. Tap a path for its details.

Recent warnings

Recent warnings in Clay County

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The record

At a glance

Total241950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMay6 of 24
StrongestF4May 1, 1953
Deaths7whole paths, see note
Injuries22whole paths, see note

Deaths and injuries are NOAA's totals for each tornado's whole path, which can extend beyond Clay County.

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

60 Jan: 2Feb: 2Mar: 3Apr: 2May: 6Jun: 2Jul: 0Aug: 1Sep: 0Oct: 0Nov: 6Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

May is the peak month, with 6 of 24 tornadoes.

By time of day

70 12 AM: 0: 0: 03 AM: 2: 0: 16 AM: 1: 1: 09 AM: 0: 1: 012 PM: 1: 0: 73 PM: 4: 0: 26 PM: 1: 1: 19 PM: 1: 0: 012 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 2:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

30 1950: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01980: 1: 2: 0: 0: 2: 2: 0: 0: 1: 11990: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02000: 0: 1: 0: 3: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 02010: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 02020: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 019501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones.

By rating

EF0
8
EF1
11
EF2
4
EF4
1

Ratings before February 2007 use the original F scale; the numbers line up with today's EF scale. Unknown means NOAA could not assign a rating.

The record

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

F4, May 1, 1953

7 deaths, 12 injuries Strongest

F4, May 1, 1953

12.1 mile path Longest path

31.29 miles, EF2

March 25, 2021, whole path Widest

1,000 yards, EF2

March 25, 2021
Every tornado

All 24 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jan 3, 2023EF06.41 mi300 yd00
Mar 25, 2021EF231.29 mi1,000 yd00
May 14, 2014EF00.1 mi30 yd00
Nov 30, 2010EF01.67 mi40 yd00
Feb 17, 2008EF01.56 mi50 yd00
Apr 30, 2005F110.6 mi200 yd00
Nov 24, 2004F113.7 mi300 yd00
May 7, 2003F01.2 mi20 yd00
May 7, 2003F01.1 mi50 yd00
May 7, 2003F01.2 mi70 yd00
Nov 24, 2001F16.1 mi300 yd00
Feb 10, 1990F10.5 mi20 yd05
Nov 15, 1989F10.5 mi20 yd03
Jan 19, 1988F15 mi100 yd00
Aug 16, 1985F00.1 mi30 yd00
Jun 7, 1985F10.2 mi200 yd00
Nov 10, 1984F19.5 mi100 yd00
May 3, 1984F213 mi300 yd02
Mar 30, 1981F10.4 mi60 yd00
Mar 18, 1981F113.8 mi50 yd00
Jun 17, 1980F25.2 mi23 yd00
Apr 18, 1978F10.3 mi100 yd00
Nov 18, 1957F20.1 mi10 yd00
May 1, 1953F412.1 mi440 yd712
Nearby

Nearby counties

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Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center severe weather database, 1950 to 2025, and SPC preliminary reports for 2026. Page built October 13, 2026.