Top Tornado Counties in Alabama
Introduction
Alabama has consistently ranked among the most tornado-active states in the Southeast. While tornadoes occur statewide, certain counties have recorded higher totals of confirmed events based on NOAA Storm Events data.
This page ranks Alabama counties by total confirmed tornadoes (since 1996) and includes decade-level trends and EF scale distribution.
For detailed ZIP code searches or full county breakdowns, visit the Alabama Tornado History page.
How These Rankings Were Compiled
Ranked Counties by Confirmed Tornadoes
Jefferson County – 54 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1996)
Madison County – 69 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1992)
Tuscaloosa County – 73 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1993)
Montgomery County – 44 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1992)
Autauga County – 36 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1999)
Elmore County – 46 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1992)
Mobile County – 73 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1995)
Shelby County – 37 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1994)
Limestone County – 69 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1994)
Marshall ett County – 52 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1994)
Morgan County – 33 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1992)
Cullman County – 61 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1993)
Walker County – 41 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1992)
Etowah County – 21 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1992)
St. Clair County – 31 Confirmed Tornadoes (Since 1994)
Geographic Tornado Patterns in Georgia
Tornado activity in Alabama is influenced by Gulf moisture, seasonal wind shear, and storm systems moving eastward from Mississippi.
Northern and central Alabama counties frequently record higher totals due to repeated storm track corridors during major outbreak years.
EF Scale Context for Alabama
Tornadoes are rated using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale.
Across Alabama, most confirmed tornadoes historically fall within the EF0–EF1 range. Stronger tornadoes (EF4–EF5) are less common but have occurred during major outbreak years.
Important Context About Rankings
Higher totals do not necessarily indicate greater risk. Larger counties or more populated areas may record more tornado reports due to geographic size and observation density.
These rankings reflect confirmed tornado events recorded since 1996.
