Tornadoes in 1981
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 782 tornadoes in 1981, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 24 people and injured 798. The busiest month was June (223), and the busiest single day was 21 June 1981, with 37.
- 782tornadoes
- 24deaths
- 798injuries
- 37on the busiest day (21 June 1981)
Tornadoes in 1981 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 1981?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 283 | 36% |
| F1 / EF1 | 320 | 41% |
| F2 / EF2 | 149 | 19% |
| F3 / EF3 | 23 | 3% |
| F4 / EF4 | 7 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 2 |
| Feb | 25 |
| Mar | 33 |
| Apr | 84 |
| May | 187 |
| Jun | 223 |
| Jul | 98 |
| Aug | 64 |
| Sep | 26 |
| Oct | 32 |
| Nov | 7 |
| Dec | 1 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1981
- Bixby, Oklahoma tornado19 April 1981, F3, 5 deaths, 49 injuries, 9.9 miles long
- Cardington, Ohio tornado13 June 1981, F3, 4 deaths, 56 injuries, 3.8 miles long
- West Bend, Wisconsin tornado4 April 1981, F4, 3 deaths, 53 injuries, 1.8 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1981
- West Bend, Wisconsin tornado4 April 1981, F4, 3 deaths, 53 injuries, 1.8 miles long
- Sikeston, Missouri tornado22 April 1981, F4, 1 death, 32 injuries, 63 miles long
- Cromwell, Oklahoma tornado17 May 1981, F4, 2 injuries, 33.6 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.