At a Glance
- Texas has recorded 10,040 tornadoes since 1950.
- The 2015 outbreak produced 258 tornadoes, the state’s record for a year.
- Harris County recorded the most twisters-252-out of all 254 counties.
- Why it matters: Texas residents and planners need to know the patterns and risks to prepare for future severe weather.
From the spring of May to the late summer, Texas has endured a long history of tornado activity. NOAA’s latest data shows over 10,040 twisters across the state since 1950, with peak activity in 2015 and a shifting pattern that may be moving the classic Tornado Alley further east.
Tornado Frequency & Trends
NOAA reports 10,040 tornadoes statewide between January 1950 and September 2025. The most tornadoes in a single year was 258 in 2015, including the largest outbreak in Central Texas history. Only 13 tornadoes were reported statewide in 1952, the fewest in any year.
- Peak average of 172.7 tornadoes per year occurred in 1999.
- The average per year has declined to 135.9 in 2024.
- Some meteorologists see this as evidence that “Tornado Alley” is shifting away from Texas and more toward the southeastern U.S.
When & Where Tornadoes Hit
Tornadoes are most common during the spring severe-weather season. May stands out with 3,078 tornadoes reported between 1950 and 2025, averaging 41 per May. Every one of Texas’s 254 counties has recorded at least one tornado since 1950. Harris County has the most twisters-252-followed by Hale County with 133.
- Real County has recorded only two tornadoes, the fewest of any county.
Strength of Texas Tornadoes
The majority of tornadoes in Texas are weak. Of 10,037 tornadoes reported between 1950 and May 2025, 76.4 % were rated F0/EF0 or F1/EF1. Violent tornadoes-F4/EF4 and F5/EF5-account for 0.9 % of all tornadoes.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| F5/EF5 | 5 |
| F4/EF4 | 53 |
| F3/EF3 | 115 |
| F2/EF2 | 65 |
| F1/EF1 | 13 |
| F0/EF0 | 3 |
Only 6 tornadoes have been rated F5 in Texas since 1950, none rated EF5 after the Enhanced Fujita Scale change. They caused 25 deaths, 1,019 injuries, and $190 million in property damage.
Biggest Outbreaks
Since 1950, Texas has seen 16 calendar days that produced at least 25 tornadoes. The most reported in a single day was 67 on September 20, 1967, linked to Hurricane Beulah. The March 21, 2022 outbreak produced 45 tornadoes, the second-largest single-day count. May 12, 1982 is the only other day with at least 40 tornadoes.
Key Takeaways
- Texas has recorded 10,040 tornadoes since 1950.
- The 2015 outbreak produced a record 258 tornadoes.
- Harris County leads with 252 twisters, and only 6 F5 tornadoes have struck the state.
These statistics underscore the importance of preparedness and awareness for Texans facing severe weather.
