Tornadoes in 1952
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 240 tornadoes in 1952, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 230 people and injured 1,915. The busiest month was March (43), and the busiest single day was 21 March 1952, with 27.
- 240tornadoes
- 230deaths
- 1,915injuries
- 27on the busiest day (21 March 1952)
Tornadoes in 1952 were rated on the Fujita (F) scale. Counts of weak tornadoes in particular depend on how many were spotted and reported, which has changed over the decades, so compare years with care.
How strong were the tornadoes of 1952?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 32 | 13% |
| F1 / EF1 | 82 | 34% |
| F2 / EF2 | 72 | 30% |
| F3 / EF3 | 36 | 15% |
| F4 / EF4 | 18 | 8% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 12 |
| Feb | 27 |
| Mar | 43 |
| Apr | 37 |
| May | 34 |
| Jun | 34 |
| Jul | 27 |
| Aug | 16 |
| Sep | 1 |
| Oct | 0 |
| Nov | 6 |
| Dec | 3 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1952
- Searcy, Arkansas tornado21 March 1952, F4, 50 deaths, 325 injuries, 14.6 miles long
- Bolivar, Tennessee tornado21 March 1952, F4, 38 deaths, 157 injuries, 46.8 miles long
- Cotton Plant, Arkansas tornado21 March 1952, F4, 29 deaths, 180 injuries, 13.1 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1952
- Searcy, Arkansas tornado21 March 1952, F4, 50 deaths, 325 injuries, 14.6 miles long
- Bolivar, Tennessee tornado21 March 1952, F4, 38 deaths, 157 injuries, 46.8 miles long
- Cotton Plant, Arkansas tornado21 March 1952, F4, 29 deaths, 180 injuries, 13.1 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.