Washington County, Mississippi tornadoes

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32confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1953). Most recent: January 11, 2020, EF2. 2026 so far: 1 preliminary report 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 Washington County

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The record

At a glance

Total321950 to 2025
Per year0.4average since 1950
Peak monthApril9 of 32
StrongestF5Feb 21, 1971
Deaths50whole paths, see note
Injuries603whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

90 Jan: 3Feb: 5Mar: 2Apr: 9May: 1Jun: 3Jul: 0Aug: 0Sep: 2Oct: 2Nov: 4Dec: 1JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

April is the peak month, with 9 of 32 tornadoes.

By time of day

50 12 AM: 1: 2: 03 AM: 1: 1: 16 AM: 0: 1: 09 AM: 1: 1: 212 PM: 0: 3: 53 PM: 3: 2: 06 PM: 2: 1: 19 PM: 1: 2: 112 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: 2: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 2: 0: 0: 11970: 1: 1: 1: 1: 1: 0: 1: 0: 1: 01980: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 11990: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 22000: 0: 2: 0: 0: 0: 3: 1: 0: 1: 12010: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 02020: 1: 0: 0: 0: 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. This year so far: 1 preliminary reports.

By rating

EF0
9
EF1
8
EF2
11
EF4
3
EF5
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

F5, February 21, 1971

47 deaths, 510 injuries Strongest

F5, February 21, 1971

109.2 mile path Longest path

234.7 miles, F2

March 22, 1953, whole path Widest

880 yards, F4

March 9, 1992
Every tornado

All 32 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Jan 11, 2020EF217.66 mi850 yd01
Apr 18, 2017EF00.02 mi40 yd00
Apr 18, 2013EF00.27 mi50 yd00
Oct 9, 2009EF11.98 mi100 yd12
May 2, 2008EF02.96 mi50 yd00
Apr 7, 2006F01 mi50 yd00
Nov 28, 2005F01 mi30 yd00
Sep 24, 2005F00.5 mi100 yd00
Sep 24, 2005F22 mi300 yd00
Nov 24, 2001F430.3 mi880 yd048
Feb 24, 2001F237 mi440 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F01 mi50 yd00
Jan 21, 1999F13 mi50 yd00
Mar 9, 1992F420 mi880 yd01
Apr 19, 1991F112 mi100 yd00
Apr 4, 1989F00.3 mi50 yd00
Oct 17, 1980F251.2 mi200 yd00
Apr 17, 1978F43.6 mi100 yd03
Feb 17, 1976F26.2 mi60 yd00
Apr 22, 1974F222.4 mi10 yd03
Dec 4, 1973F212.5 mi30 yd06
Apr 21, 1972F10.5 mi100 yd00
Feb 21, 1971F5109.2 mi500 yd47510
Jun 4, 1970F00.1 mi10 yd00
Jun 19, 1969F20.1 mi10 yd01
This year

2026 preliminary reports not yet confirmed

Report dateLocationRating
Apr 28, 20263 NNW WaysideNot 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

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.