What was the worst day for tornadoes in Ohio history? Here's a look at the numbers
Tornado sirens have sounded frequently across Ohio in the past several weeks. Eight tornadoes were confirmed in the state on Feb. 28, and another line of strong storms spawned more twisters on Thursday, killing at least three.
As tragic as those are, they still aren't the worst tornadoes Ohio has ever seen. So, what was the worst day for tornadoes?
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What was the worst day for tornadoes in Ohio history?
When 19 tornadoes touched down overnight on Memorial Day, 2019, in Ohio, it set a new record for the highest total for twisters in a single, local event in recorded history, according to the National Weather Service office in Wilmington, Ohio.
The previous high tornado count for a local event was recorded March 2, 2012. Tornadoes hit near the Kentucky cities of Locust, Owenton and Crittenden, and others hit near Ohio cities Piketon, West Union and Rarden. Nationwide, that storm spawned 81 tornadoes across 11 states, and caused 36 deaths in Indiana and Kentucky.
Since 2019, the worst days for tornadoes in Ohio have been:
- June 15, 2023, 12 tornadoes, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
- Oct. 21, 2021, 10 tornadoes.
- June 8, 2022, nine tornadoes.
- April 8, 2020, nine tornadoes.
Has there ever been an EF5 tornado in Ohio?
Just four Ohio tornadoes since 1950 have received the most severe EF5 designation. The last time was May 31, 1985, when an EF5 tornado that tore through Portage and Trumbull counties claimed 10 lives. There were 10 other tornadoes in Ohio that day.