Tornadoes of 1988
Raleigh tornado path
|
|
| Timespan | January–December 1988 |
|---|---|
| Maximum rated tornado |
F4 tornado
|
| Tornadoes in U.S. | 702 |
| Damage (U.S.) | $1.1 billion (1988 USD) |
| Fatalities (U.S.) | 32 |
| Fatalities (worldwide) | >32 |
This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1988, 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.
The Tornado "Season" of 1988 was one of the least active on record. March and April saw unusually low activity, as did June. There were some notable outbreaks later in the year, including the Raleigh tornado which was probably the most publicized tornado event of the year.
Confirmed tornado total for the entire year 1988 in the United States.
There were 17 tornadoes confirmed in the US in January. Three separate tornadoes, rated F2/F3, killed five people in Tennessee on January 19, one of which killed 3 and injured 24 in Williston, Tennessee. Another F4 tornado on the 19th struck Mississippi, but resulted in no fatalities.
There were 4 tornadoes confirmed in the US in February.
There were 28 tornadoes confirmed in the US in March.
There were 58 tornadoes confirmed in the US in April. An F3 tornado killed four people in Madison, Florida on April 19.
There were 132 tornadoes confirmed in the US in May.
The outbreak on May 8 saw 57 tornadoes mainly in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin (two rated as high as F3 in Darlington, Wisconsin and Eldridge, Iowa). There were no reported fatalities.
There were 63 tornadoes confirmed in the US in June. On June 7, an F1 tornado in Smyrna, Delaware caused no fatalities, but at least 30 injuries, with damage estimated between 500,000 and 5 million dollars, and on June 15, an F3 tornado in Colorado struck 4.4 miles south of downtown Denver.
There were 103 tornadoes confirmed in the US in July. On July 5, a tornado outbreak saw three F3 tornadoes in and around Fort Benton, Montana. There were no reported fatalities.
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