Tornadoes of 1972
| Timespan | January 1, 1972 - December 30, 1972 |
|---|---|
| Maximum rated tornado |
F4 tornado
|
| Tornadoes in U.S. | 741 |
| Damage (U.S.) | >$1 billion |
| Fatalities (U.S.) | 34 |
| Fatalities (worldwide) | >34 |
This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1972, primarily in the United States. Most tornadoes form in the U.S., although some events may take place internationally. Tornado statistics for older years like this often appear significantly lower than modern years due to fewer reports or confirmed tornadoes.
1972 was a near normal year, producing 741 tornadoes. Deaths were significantly below average, but there was a very high total of over 900 injuries.
33 tornadoes were reported in the United States in January.
7 tornadoes were reported in the United States in February.
69 tornadoes were reported in the United States in March.
A front moved through Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida on the days of March 26–29, producing an F3 tornado that struck Urbana, Arkansas and an F2 that injured 13 people in Lufkin, Texas. A suspected F2 tornado hit Hillsboro, Texas, injuring 2 people and causing at least $500,000 (1972 USD) in damages. The outbreak produced an F2 that touched down outside of El Dorado, Arkansas, injuring 3 people and causing major damage. An F1 tornado touched down in Milton, Florida, injuring 1 person. The outbreak ended with no fatalities but 19 injuries.
96 tornadoes were reported in the United States in April.
A deadly F3 tornado struck Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington. The tornado carved a nine-mile (14 km) path of destruction across the heavily populated Portland metropolitan area, leaving 6 people dead and 300+ injured while causing $3–5 million (1972 USD) in damage. It was the deadliest tornado in the United States in 1972 and remains the deadliest tornado in the history of the Pacific Northwest. It was the first F3 tornado to strike Oregon since June 3, 1894 and no tornadoes in Oregon or Washington have attained that intensity ever since.
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