Wayne County, Tennessee tornadoes

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19confirmed tornadoes since NOAA records began in 1950 (the first here in 1963). Most recent: March 31, 2023, EF3. 2026 so far: 0 preliminary reports preliminary

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Recent warnings in Wayne County

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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.

The record

At a glance

Total191950 to 2025
Per year0.3average since 1950
Peak monthMarch6 of 19
StrongestF5Apr 16, 1998
Deaths12whole paths, see note
Injuries105whole paths, see note

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

Seasons

When tornadoes hit here

By month

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

March is the peak month, with 6 of 19 tornadoes.

By time of day

30 12 AM: 0: 1: 13 AM: 1: 0: 06 AM: 0: 0: 09 AM: 0: 0: 112 PM: 0: 0: 13 PM: 3: 0: 26 PM: 3: 1: 29 PM: 0: 2: 112 AM3 AM6 AM9 AM12 PM3 PM6 PM9 PM

Most often around 3:00 PM. Times as recorded by NOAA, mostly Central Standard Time.

By year, 1950 to 2025

20 1950: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01960: 0: 0: 0: 1: 1: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01970: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 01980: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 01990: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 1: 0: 1: 1: 02000: 0: 0: 0: 0: 0: 1: 0: 0: 2: 02010: 0: 1: 0: 1: 0: 2: 0: 0: 1: 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
1
EF1
6
EF2
7
EF3
4
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

EF3, March 31, 2023

9 deaths, 23 injuries Strongest

F5, April 16, 1998

69.4 mile path Longest path

86.01 miles, EF3

March 31, 2023, whole path Widest

1,760 yards, F5

April 16, 1998
Every tornado

All 19 tornadoes, newest first

DateRatingPath lengthWidthDeathsInjuries
Mar 31, 2023EF386.01 mi1,400 yd923
Mar 25, 2021EF222.12 mi350 yd01
Nov 5, 2018EF16.67 mi200 yd00
Dec 23, 2015EF214.87 mi400 yd01
Dec 23, 2015EF348.38 mi800 yd07
Jan 30, 2013EF19.1 mi100 yd00
Apr 27, 2011EF19.19 mi200 yd00
Feb 5, 2008EF110.11 mi50 yd00
Jan 10, 2008EF21.28 mi40 yd00
Nov 15, 2005F26 mi100 yd01
Apr 16, 1998F569.4 mi1,760 yd336
Mar 1, 1997F27.8 mi440 yd02
May 18, 1995F00.5 mi10 yd00
Jun 26, 1994F15 mi50 yd00
Jun 26, 1994F338 mi880 yd022
Mar 22, 1991F11 mi50 yd00
Nov 4, 1988F213 mi73 yd00
Mar 4, 1964F327.6 mi300 yd07
Mar 11, 1963F229.1 mi100 yd05
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 12, 2026.