Massac County, Illinois tornadoes

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19 confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1973). Most recent: April 2, 2025, EF2. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report preliminary

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Every tornado path in the county

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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.

At a glance

Total191950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthApril5 of 19
StrongestF4May 6, 2003
Deaths5whole paths, see note
Injuries72whole paths, see note

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

When tornadoes hit here

By month

50 Jan: 2Feb: 1Mar: 1Apr: 5May: 4Jun: 0Jul: 2Aug: 0Sep: 1Oct: 0Nov: 3Dec: 0JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 5 of 19 tornadoes.

By time of day

40 12 AM: 0: 0: 13 AM: 0: 0: 26 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 012 PM: 1: 3: 43 PM: 0: 0: 36 PM: 1: 1: 29 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: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 12000: 0: 0: 0: 3: 0: 1: 2: 0: 0: 02010: 0: 2: 1: 1: 0: 0: 1: 1: 1: 02020: 1: 0: 0: 1: 0: 119501960197019801990200020102020

The line is the five-year average. Tornadoes before about 1953 were under-reported, and better radar since the 1990s finds more weak ones. This year so far: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
6
EF1
7
EF2
3
EF3
2
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.

Notable tornadoes

Deadliest

EF3, November 17, 2013

3 deaths, 34 injuries Strongest

F4, May 6, 2003

33 mile path Longest path

95.9 miles, F1

January 18, 1973, whole path Widest

1,000 yards, F4

May 6, 2003

All 19 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Apr 2, 2025EF211.97 mi150 yd00
Jan 12, 2023EF16.5 mi200 yd00
Jul 20, 2020EF00.26 mi30 yd00
Apr 3, 2018EF110.59 mi75 yd00
Nov 18, 2017EF00.09 mi30 yd00
Jul 6, 2016EF12.79 mi160 yd02
Nov 17, 2013EF342.5 mi500 yd334
Feb 29, 2012EF22.38 mi150 yd00
May 25, 2011EF219.87 mi325 yd00
Apr 23, 2011EF16.64 mi250 yd00
Sep 22, 2006F33.5 mi125 yd02
Mar 12, 2006F00.9 mi50 yd00
Nov 15, 2005F00.1 mi50 yd00
May 6, 2003F00.2 mi30 yd00
May 6, 2003F433 mi1,000 yd233
May 4, 2003F13.9 mi100 yd00
Apr 5, 1999F00.2 mi40 yd01
Apr 3, 1989F10.1 mi20 yd00
Jan 18, 1973F195.9 mi10 yd00

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Jun 27, 20261 NW BrookportNot yet rated

Preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. One tornado can be reported more than once, and NOAA confirms the final record months later.

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 12, 2026.