Tornadoes in 1987
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 656 tornadoes in 1987, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. They killed 59 people and injured 1,018. The busiest month was July (163), and the busiest single day was 16 November 1987, with 28.
- 656tornadoes
- 59deaths
- 1,018injuries
- 28on the busiest day (16 November 1987)
Tornadoes in 1987 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 1987?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 340 | 52% |
| F1 / EF1 | 239 | 36% |
| F2 / EF2 | 62 | 9% |
| F3 / EF3 | 12 | 2% |
| F4 / EF4 | 3 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 0 | 0% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 6 |
| Feb | 19 |
| Mar | 38 |
| Apr | 20 |
| May | 126 |
| Jun | 132 |
| Jul | 163 |
| Aug | 63 |
| Sep | 19 |
| Oct | 1 |
| Nov | 55 |
| Dec | 14 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 1987
- Balmorhea, Texas tornado22 May 1987, F4, 30 deaths, 121 injuries, 3 miles long
- Laurel, Mississippi tornado28 February 1987, F4, 6 deaths, 350 injuries, 35 miles long
- West Memphis, Arkansas tornado14 December 1987, F3, 6 deaths, 121 injuries, 25 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 1987
- Balmorhea, Texas tornado22 May 1987, F4, 30 deaths, 121 injuries, 3 miles long
- Laurel, Mississippi tornado28 February 1987, F4, 6 deaths, 350 injuries, 35 miles long
- Kelly, Wyoming tornado21 July 1987, F4, 24.3 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 1987 tornadoes started
- Texas (126)
- Florida (45)
- Mississippi (42)
- Colorado (40)
- Iowa (36)