How many tornadoes has Columbus, MS had?
Columbus has had 157 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 16 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Columbus?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Columbus was an EF0 on March 31, 2025.
When is tornado season in Columbus?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Columbus, with 40 on record. April through June account for 54 of the 157 tornadoes on record near Columbus.
At a Glance
Tornadoes Since 1950
157
Within search radius
Violent (EF3+)
16
10.2% of total
Peak Month
April
40 on record
Per Year Avg
2.1
Across 76 years
Recent Tornado Activity Near Columbus
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles —
80 total, averaging 4.0 per year over this window.
2026
0
2025
4
2024
5
2023
1
2022
10
2021
0
2020
5
2019
8
2018
3
2017
2
2016
8
2015
2
2014
6
2013
2
2012
0
2011
6
2010
6
2009
6
2008
4
2007
2
Tornadoes by Decade
1950s
14
1960s
9
1970s
12
1980s
16
1990s
10
2000s
28
2010s
43
2020s
25
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
30
EF1
70
EF2
41
EF3
14
EF4
2
Tornadoes by Month
Jan
17
Feb
13
Mar
28
Apr
40
May
11
Jun
3
Jul
1
Aug
2
Sep
3
Oct
7
Nov
25
Dec
7
Casualties on Record Near Columbus
32 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Columbus since 1950, across 13 events. 561 injuries have been reported across all events. 2011 was the deadliest year on record near Columbus.
The deadliest single event was an EF4 on April 27, 2011, which caused 13 fatalities along a 127.8-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Columbus
Deadliest Tornado
EF4 on April 27, 2011 — 13 fatalities, 127.8 mi path, 1,408 yd wide.
Costliest Tornado
EF4 on April 27, 2011 — $170.3M in reported property damage.
Widest Tornado
EF3 on January 10, 2008 — 2,500 yards wide.
Longest Path
EF4 on April 27, 2011 — 127.8 mile track.
Most Recent
EF0 on March 31, 2025.
What the record shows near Columbus
The 2010s were the busiest decade near Columbus, with 43 of the 157 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 25 so far. The Columbus record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Columbus, 100 reached EF0 or EF1 and 57 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Columbus is rated EF4, of which 2 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Columbus has averaged 4.0 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 80 in total. 2022 was the busiest of them with 10, and 3 of those years passed with none at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tornadoes has Columbus, MS had?
Since 1950, 157 tornadoes have been recorded within 25 miles of Columbus. Data source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
What was the deadliest tornado near Columbus?
The deadliest tornado on record within 25 miles of Columbus was an EF4 on April 27, 2011, which caused 13 fatalities.
When is tornado season in Columbus?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Columbus, with 40 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 Columbus been hit by an EF4 or EF5 tornado?
Within 25 miles of Columbus, there have been 0 EF5 and 2 EF4 tornadoes 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 Columbus?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Columbus was an EF0 on March 31, 2025.
How do I get tornado warnings for Columbus?
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