Tornadoes in 1973
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 1,102 tornadoes in 1973, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 89 people and injured 2,396. The busiest month was May (250), and the busiest single day was 27 May 1973, with 41.
- 1,102tornadoes
- 89deaths
- 2,396injuries
- 41on the busiest day (27 May 1973)
Tornadoes in 1973 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 1973?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 219 | 20% |
| F1 / EF1 | 497 | 45% |
| F2 / EF2 | 301 | 27% |
| F3 / EF3 | 71 | 6% |
| F4 / EF4 | 13 | 1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 33 |
| Feb | 10 |
| Mar | 80 |
| Apr | 150 |
| May | 250 |
| Jun | 224 |
| Jul | 80 |
| Aug | 51 |
| Sep | 69 |
| Oct | 25 |
| Nov | 81 |
| Dec | 49 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1973
- Demopolis, Alabama tornado27 May 1973, F4, 7 deaths, 199 injuries, 139.1 miles long
- Calhoun Falls, South Carolina tornado31 March 1973, F4, 7 deaths, 30 injuries, 22.6 miles long
- Mart, Texas tornado10 March 1973, F4, 6 deaths, 77 injuries, 23.3 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1973
- Valley Mills, Texas tornado6 May 1973, F5, 10.6 miles long
- Demopolis, Alabama tornado27 May 1973, F4, 7 deaths, 199 injuries, 139.1 miles long
- Calhoun Falls, South Carolina tornado31 March 1973, F4, 7 deaths, 30 injuries, 22.6 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.