 Tornado tracks of 1953. Note: 20 FU tornadoes were rated/combined with other tornadoes. | |
| Timespan | 1953 |
|---|---|
| Maximum rated tornado | F5 tornado
|
| Tornadoes in U.S. | 421[1] |
| Damage (U.S.) | $596.105 million (1953 USD)[2] |
| Fatalities (U.S.) | 523 |
| Fatalities (worldwide) | >529 |
This page documents the tornadoes and tornado outbreaks of 1953, 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. This was the first year to record an F5 tornado as well as one of the deadliest tornado seasons in official U.S. records, which go back to 1950.
The total count of tornadoes and ratings differs from various agencies accordingly. The article, therefore, documents information from the most contemporary official sources alongside assessments from tornado historian Thomas P. Grazulis.
- ^ "Tornado History Project: 1953". www.tornadohistoryproject.com. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 4, 2020.
- ^ "1953 Tornadoes". National Centers for Environmental Information. National Weather Service. Retrieved June 22, 2022.