Study: Arkansas Ranks No. 2 Deadliest State for Tornadoes

According to AccuWeather, 2024 has been the worst year for “severe active weather” since 2011. More than 1,000 tornadoes have already ripped through the country this year.

A new study conducted by personal injury attorneys Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC compared statewide data reported by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) to uncover which states pose the highest risk for fatality by tornado. The data gathered from twisters between Jan. 1, 2019, and May 28, 2024, included the number of tornadoes per 1,000 square miles and the number of direct and indirect deaths, direct and indirect injuries, and tornadoes rated EF2 or above – with wind speeds greater than 111-135 miles per hour.

With more inclement weather forecast for this month, some Arkansans are still dealing with the effects of the recent tornadoes that struck Little Rock, Hot Springs Village and Jonesboro.

“Tornadoes, thunderstorms, and destructive winds are forecast to take place in July 2024,” said Mike Montesi, managing partner at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi. “It’s essential to be vigilant and stay informed on the local area’s weather conditions throughout this period.”

Like many categories where Arkansas is ranked second best or second worst, Mississippi was named the deadliest state for tornadoes with a final index score of 91.77 out of 100 in the study. The Magnolia State racked up the highest tally of tornadoes with 13 per 1,000 square miles, 345% higher than the national average. It also saw the most tornadoes with an EF2 rating or above per 100,000 people.

In the same time period, Arkansas had 36 tornadoes rated EF2 or above per 100,000 people for a final index score of 74.62. There were 155 direct injuries reported across the state, 125% above the national average.

Following Arkansas in third place is Georgia with a final index score of 70.28. The former British colony had five tornadoes per 1,000 square miles and five deaths and four injuries per 100,000 people indirectly caused over the time span.

“Mississippi, Arkansas, and Georgia have been named the most dangerous,” said Montesi. “It’s interesting to note that Texas has not been named among the worst states. Despite typically seeing more tornadoes than other states, with 686 being recorded from January 2019 to May 2024, Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S. Therefore, the events taking place are more spread out per 1,000 square miles, and EF2 twisters are fewer per 100,000 people.”

Two other neighboring states made the Top 10 list, with Missouri claiming fifth place with an index score of 66.30 and Louisiana seventh place with an index score of 54.58.

On the other end of the spectrum, Alaska and Hawaii are tied as the safest states for tornadoes, with zero tornadoes recorded between January 2019 and May 2024. With no direct or indirect deaths or injuries and no twisters rated EF2 or above, the two states were given a final index score of zero.

To learn more, including how to prepare and stay safe during a tornado, visit ready.gov/tornadoes.