Tornadoes in 1965
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 897 tornadoes in 1965, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 301 people and injured 5,197. The busiest month was May (273), and the busiest single day was 11 April 1965, with 45.
- 897tornadoes
- 301deaths
- 5,197injuries
- 45on the busiest day (11 April 1965)
Tornadoes in 1965 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 1965?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 246 | 27% |
| F1 / EF1 | 300 | 33% |
| F2 / EF2 | 249 | 28% |
| F3 / EF3 | 71 | 8% |
| F4 / EF4 | 30 | 3% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 21 |
| Feb | 32 |
| Mar | 34 |
| Apr | 123 |
| May | 273 |
| Jun | 147 |
| Jul | 85 |
| Aug | 61 |
| Sep | 64 |
| Oct | 16 |
| Nov | 34 |
| Dec | 7 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1965
- Elkhart, Indiana tornado11 April 1965, F4, 36 deaths, 321 injuries, 37 miles long
- Goshen, Indiana tornado11 April 1965, F4, 31 deaths, 252 injuries, 21.2 miles long
- Crawfordsville, Indiana tornado11 April 1965, F4, 28 deaths, 123 injuries, 45.7 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1965
- Burton, Nebraska tornado8 May 1965, F5, 1 injury, 30.1 miles long
- Elkhart, Indiana tornado11 April 1965, F4, 36 deaths, 321 injuries, 37 miles long
- Goshen, Indiana tornado11 April 1965, F4, 31 deaths, 252 injuries, 21.2 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 1965 tornadoes started
- Texas (108)
- Oklahoma (74)
- Kansas (68)
- South Dakota (62)
- Iowa (46)