Tornadoes in 2008
The Storm Prediction Center recorded 1,704 tornadoes in 2008, against an average of 967 a year from 1950 to 2025. It was the number 3 busiest year in the record. They killed 128 people and injured 1,714. The busiest month was May (463), and the busiest single day was 23 May 2008, with 79.
- 1,704tornadoes
- 128deaths
- 1,714injuries
- 79on the busiest day (23 May 2008)
Tornadoes in 2008 were rated on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) 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 2008?
| Rating | Tornadoes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| F0 / EF0 | 983 | 58% |
| F1 / EF1 | 506 | 30% |
| F2 / EF2 | 156 | 9% |
| F3 / EF3 | 49 | 3% |
| F4 / EF4 | 9 | <1% |
| F5 / EF5 | 1 | <1% |
| Unknown rating | 0 | 0% |
Show the numbers
| Period | Count |
|---|---|
| Jan | 85 |
| Feb | 150 |
| Mar | 131 |
| Apr | 189 |
| May | 463 |
| Jun | 296 |
| Jul | 96 |
| Aug | 101 |
| Sep | 111 |
| Oct | 21 |
| Nov | 15 |
| Dec | 46 |
Deadliest tornadoes of 2008
- Gallatin, Tennessee tornado5 February 2008, EF3, 22 deaths, 63 injuries, 50.3 miles long
- Welch, Oklahoma tornado10 May 2008, EF4, 21 deaths, 350 injuries, 75.5 miles long
- Casa, Arkansas tornado5 February 2008, EF4, 13 deaths, 139 injuries, 121.8 miles long
Strongest tornadoes of 2008
- Cedar Falls, Iowa tornado25 May 2008, EF5, 9 deaths, 70 injuries, 41 miles long
- Welch, Oklahoma tornado10 May 2008, EF4, 21 deaths, 350 injuries, 75.5 miles long
- Casa, Arkansas tornado5 February 2008, EF4, 13 deaths, 139 injuries, 121.8 miles long
Many of these tornadoes killed or injured people. The numbers are the official record's, and they may be revised.
Where the 2008 tornadoes started
- Kansas (185)
- Texas (120)
- Mississippi (109)
- Iowa (105)
- Missouri (94)