History of Tornadoes in Louisiana in Timeline

Louisiana experiences frequent tornadoes, with at least 2,514 recorded since 1950. These tornadoes have resulted in at least 267 fatalities and 3,861 injuries. Before 1950, only significant tornadoes (fatalities or F2+ intensity) were consistently recorded, suggesting the state's history with these severe weather events extends further back.

1908: Deadliest Tornadoes Impact Louisiana

In 1908, three of Louisiana's deadliest tornadoes took place in Gilliam, Amite, and Concordia Parish.

1925: Significant Tornadoes in Louisiana

Before 1925, a total of 86 known significant tornadoes impacted Louisiana, resulting in 817 fatalities and 2,716 injuries.

1949: Minden Tornado

In 1949, the deadliest tornado of the 1925-1949 period struck Minden, killing 28 people and injuring 400 others.

1950: Tornado Records Begin

In 1950, the U.S. state of Louisiana began recording tornado data. Since 1950, there have been at least 2,514 recorded tornadoes. These tornadoes have caused at least 267 fatalities and 3,861 injuries. Records prior to 1950 only include tornadoes that caused deaths or were estimated to be F2 or greater on the Fujita scale.

1950: Tornado Warnings Issued

Starting in 1950, forecasters began issuing tornado warnings, leading to a decline in tornado-related fatalities over time in Louisiana.

1964: Hurricane Hilda Tornado

In 1964, a tornado spawned by Hurricane Hilda struck Larose, Louisiana, resulting in 22 deaths and 165 injuries.

1971: Inverness Tornado

In 1971, Louisiana's first and only F5-rated tornado occurred, destroying structures outside of Delhi and causing 11 deaths within the state.

1974: Tornado Impacts in Louisiana

Between 1950 and 1974, Louisiana was hit by 432 recorded tornadoes, leading to 184 fatalities and 1,863 injuries.

1975: Louisiana Tornadoes

From 1975 to 1999, a total of 841 recorded tornadoes occurred in Louisiana, causing 35 deaths and 1,327 injuries.

December 3, 1978: Shreveport-Bossier City F4 Tornado

On December 3, 1978, an F4 tornado struck the Shreveport-Bossier City area, resulting in two deaths and $250 million in damage.

1978: Shreveport-Bossier City Tornado

In 1978, a tornado struck the Shreveport-Bossier City metropolitan area in Louisiana, causing $250 million in damage and resulting in two fatalities.

1983: F4 Tornadoes in LaPlace and Collinston

In 1983, two F4-rated tornadoes caused major damage in LaPlace and Collinston.

November 15, 1987: Shreveport-Bossier City F3 Tornado

On November 15, 1987, an F3 tornado struck the Shreveport-Bossier City area, killing one person and causing $50 million in damage.

April 3, 1999: F4 Tornado in Louisiana

On April 3, 1999, an F4 tornado struck Louisiana, resulting in seven deaths and $8 million in damage; it was the deadliest tornado to strike the state during this time frame.

2000: Louisiana Tornadoes

Since 2000, a total of 1,241 recorded tornadoes have impacted Louisiana, resulting in 48 deaths and 671 injuries.

April 24, 2010: Yazoo City Tornado

On April 24, 2010, the 2010 Yazoo City tornado caused EF3-rated damage in areas north of Tallulah, before causing devastating damage and killing 10 people in Yazoo City, Mississippi, traveling along a 149-mile path.