Tornadoes in 1970
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 653 tornadoes in 1970, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 73 people and injured 1,355. The busiest month was June (134), and the busiest single day was 11 June 1970, with 21.
- 653tornadoes
- 73deaths
- 1,355injuries
- 21on the busiest day (11 June 1970)
Tornadoes in 1970 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 1970?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 164 | 25% |
| F1 / EF1 | 253 | 39% |
| F2 / EF2 | 191 | 29% |
| F3 / EF3 | 36 | 6% |
| F4 / EF4 | 8 | 1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 9 |
| Feb | 16 |
| Mar | 25 |
| Apr | 117 |
| May | 88 |
| Jun | 134 |
| Jul | 81 |
| Aug | 55 |
| Sep | 54 |
| Oct | 50 |
| Nov | 10 |
| Dec | 14 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1970
- Lubbock, Texas tornado11 May 1970, F5, 26 deaths, 500 injuries, 8.4 miles long
- Tulia, Texas tornado18 April 1970, F4, 16 deaths, 42 injuries, 65 miles long
- Plainview, Texas tornado17 April 1970, F4, 5 deaths, 51 injuries, 96.6 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1970
- Lubbock, Texas tornado11 May 1970, F5, 26 deaths, 500 injuries, 8.4 miles long
- Tulia, Texas tornado18 April 1970, F4, 16 deaths, 42 injuries, 65 miles long
- Plainview, Texas tornado17 April 1970, F4, 5 deaths, 51 injuries, 96.6 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 1970 tornadoes started
- Texas (121)
- Oklahoma (50)
- Florida (48)
- Missouri (37)
- South Dakota (31)