Gadsden, AL Tornado History — 126 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Gadsden, AL had?
Gadsden has had 126 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 25 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Gadsden?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Gadsden was an EF1 on May 20, 2025.
When is tornado season in Gadsden?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Gadsden, with 46 on record. April through June account for 63 of the 126 tornadoes on record near Gadsden.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Gadsden
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 57 total, averaging 2.9 per year over this window.
What storm spotters reported near Gadsden
One local storm report has been filed within 25 miles of Gadsden and since confirmed into the NOAA archive, the earliest on May 20, 2025 and the most recent on May 20, 2025. It is already counted in the Gadsden totals above; quoted below is the narrative the reporting office filed at the time.
NWS Storm Survey Team confirmed an EF-1 tornado caused damage from Saks into portions of Anniston. The tornado was 3.52 miles long... 1000 yards wide... with maximum wi (BMX)
Source: National Weather Service and trained-spotter local storm reports, relayed by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
Tornadoes by Decade
Tornadoes by Enhanced Fujita Rating
F0–F5 ratings (pre-2007) are grouped with their EF equivalents. The Enhanced Fujita scale replaced the original Fujita scale in February 2007.
Tornadoes by Month
Casualties on Record Near Gadsden
61 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Gadsden since 1950, across 10 events. 606 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Gadsden.
The deadliest single event was an EF4 on April 27, 2011, which caused 22 fatalities along a 97.3-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Gadsden
What the record shows near Gadsden
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Gadsden, with 34 of the 126 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 16 so far. The Gadsden record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Gadsden, 64 reached EF0 or EF1 and 62 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Gadsden is rated EF4, of which 5 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Gadsden has averaged 2.9 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 57 in total. 2018 was the busiest of them with 10, and 6 of those years passed with none at all.