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Selma, AL Tornado History — 90 Tornadoes Since 1950

Alabama · 25-mile radius · NOAA Storm Prediction Center

How many tornadoes has Selma, AL had?

Selma has had 90 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 8 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.

When was the most recent tornado near Selma?

The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Selma was an EF1 on April 6, 2025.

When is tornado season in Selma?

April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Selma, with 29 on record. April through June account for 34 of the 90 tornadoes on record near Selma.

At a Glance

Tornadoes Since 1950
90
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
8
8.9% of total
Peak Month
April
29 on record
Per Year Avg
1.2
Across 76 years

Recent Tornado Activity Near Selma

The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 45 total, averaging 2.3 per year over this window.

2026 0
2025 3
2024 1
2023 2
2022 3
2021 4
2020 2
2019 7
2018 3
2017 1
2016 0
2015 0
2014 0
2013 0
2012 2
2011 11
2010 0
2009 1
2008 2
2007 3

What storm spotters reported near Selma

One local storm report has been filed within 25 miles of Selma and since confirmed into the NOAA archive, the earliest on April 6, 2025 and the most recent on April 6, 2025. It is already counted in the Selma totals above; quoted below is the narrative the reporting office filed at the time.

EF1° April 6, 2025
4 WSW Tyler, Dallas County, AL
An EF-1 tornado was confirmed by NWS meteorologists... affecting the area near Sixmile creek east of Sardis. (BMX)

Source: National Weather Service and trained-spotter local storm reports, relayed by the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.

Tornadoes by Decade

1950s 7
1960s 3
1970s 10
1980s 5
1990s 7
2000s 19
2010s 24
2020s 15

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.

EF0 28
EF1 31
EF2 23
EF3 7
EF4 1

Tornadoes by Month

Jan 6
Feb 5
Mar 21
Apr 29
May 4
Jun 1
Jul 4
Aug 0
Sep 3
Oct 1
Nov 9
Dec 7

Casualties on Record Near Selma

15 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Selma since 1950, across 5 events. 118 injuries have been reported across all events. 2023 was the deadliest year on record near Selma.

The deadliest single event was an EF3 on January 12, 2023, which caused 7 fatalities along a 82.3-mile track.

Notable Tornadoes Near Selma

Deadliest Tornado
EF3 on January 12, 2023 — 7 fatalities, 82.3 mi path, 1,500 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
F2 on May 3, 1984 — est. ~$2.8M (NOAA damage class, pre-1996 estimate).
Widest Tornado
EF3 on January 12, 2023 — 1,500 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF3 on January 12, 2023 — 82.3 mile track.
Most Recent
EF1 on April 6, 2025.

What the record shows near Selma

The 2010s were the busiest decade near Selma, with 24 of the 90 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 15 so far. The Selma record runs from the 1950s to today.

Of the tornadoes rated near Selma, 59 reached EF0 or EF1 and 31 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Selma is rated EF4, of which 1 is logged.

Across the last 20 years Selma has averaged 2.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 45 in total. 2011 was the busiest of them with 11, and 6 of those years passed with none at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tornadoes has Selma, AL had?
Since 1950, 90 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Selma. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Selma?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Selma was an EF3 on January 12, 2023, which caused 7 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Selma?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Selma, with 29 tornadoes on record. Tornadoes can occur any time of year, but spring months (April–June) generally see the highest activity across most of the central and southern United States.
Has Selma been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Selma, there has been 0 EF5 and 1 EF4 tornado recorded since 1950. EF4 and EF5 tornadoes are the most destructive ratings on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with winds above 166 mph.
When was the most recent tornado near Selma?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Selma was an EF1 on April 6, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Selma?
Vortex delivers real-time tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm alerts, and SPC outlook updates for any US location via push notification and phone call. Alerts are sourced directly from the National Weather Service and updated within seconds of issuance.

Official Resources

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