Memphis, TN Tornado History — 106 Tornadoes Since 1950
How many tornadoes has Memphis, TN had?
Memphis has had 106 tornadoes on record within 25 miles since 1950, including 12 strong to violent (EF3+) tornadoes.
When was the most recent tornado near Memphis?
The most recent tornado within 25 miles of Memphis was an EF1 on May 18, 2025.
When is tornado season in Memphis?
April is historically the peak month for tornadoes near Memphis, with 23 on record. April through June account for 61 of the 106 tornadoes on record near Memphis.
At a Glance
Recent Tornado Activity Near Memphis
The last 20 years of confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles — 25 total, averaging 1.3 per year over this window.
What storm spotters reported near Memphis
One local storm report has been filed within 25 miles of Memphis and since confirmed into the NOAA archive, the earliest on May 18, 2025 and the most recent on May 18, 2025. It is already counted in the Memphis totals above; quoted below is the narrative the reporting office filed at the time.
EF1 tornado with 95 mph winds occurred in Hernando... MS. (MEG)
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 Memphis
25 fatalities have been recorded within 25 miles of Memphis since 1950, across 10 events. 460 injuries have been reported across all events. 1987 was the deadliest year on record near Memphis.
The deadliest single event was an F3 on December 14, 1987, which caused 6 fatalities along a 25.0-mile track.
Notable Tornadoes Near Memphis
What the record shows near Memphis
The 1960s were the busiest decade near Memphis, with 22 of the 106 confirmed tornadoes within 25 miles; the 2020s have produced 8 so far. The Memphis record runs from the 1950s to today.
Of the tornadoes rated near Memphis, 69 reached EF0 or EF1 and 37 reached EF2 or stronger. The most intense on record near Memphis is rated EF3, of which 12 are logged.
Across the last 20 years Memphis has averaged 1.3 confirmed tornadoes a year within 25 miles, 25 in total. 2008 was the busiest of them with 6, and 9 of those years passed with none at all.