Tornadoes in 1968
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 657 tornadoes in 1968, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 131 people and injured 2,522. The busiest month was May (142), and the busiest single day was 15 May 1968, with 33.
- 657tornadoes
- 131deaths
- 2,522injuries
- 33on the busiest day (15 May 1968)
Tornadoes in 1968 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 1968?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 192 | 29% |
| F1 / EF1 | 251 | 38% |
| F2 / EF2 | 163 | 25% |
| F3 / EF3 | 39 | 6% |
| F4 / EF4 | 8 | 1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 4 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 5 |
| Feb | 7 |
| Mar | 28 |
| Apr | 102 |
| May | 142 |
| Jun | 136 |
| Jul | 56 |
| Aug | 66 |
| Sep | 25 |
| Oct | 14 |
| Nov | 44 |
| Dec | 32 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1968
- Jonesboro, Arkansas tornado15 May 1968, F4, 35 deaths, 364 injuries, 20.9 miles long
- Greenwood, Arkansas tornado19 April 1968, F4, 14 deaths, 270 injuries, 2 miles long
- Hansell, Iowa tornado15 May 1968, F5, 13 deaths, 462 injuries, 62.1 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1968
- Hansell, Iowa tornado15 May 1968, F5, 13 deaths, 462 injuries, 62.1 miles long
- Garvin, Minnesota tornado13 June 1968, F5, 9 deaths, 150 injuries, 9.1 miles long
- New Boston, Ohio tornado23 April 1968, F5, 7 deaths, 93 injuries, 34 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.