List of Storm Prediction Center high risk days

File:Evolution of SPC Forecasts Leading to April 14, 2012.png

Progression of a well-anticipated high risk event across the Central Plains on April 14, 2012. This event ultimately produced 85 tornadoes that day, one of which killed six people.

A high risk severe weather event is the greatest threat level issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) for convective weather events in the United States. On the scale from one to five, a high risk is a level five. A high risk is usually for major tornado outbreaks with numerous strong to violent tornadoes expected, and occasionally derechos with widespread destructive wind gusts, and these outlooks are typically reserved for the most extreme events. They are generally only issued on the day of the event. However, there have been three occurrences (April 7, 2006, April 14, 2012, and March 15, 2025) of a high risk being issued for Day 2 of the outlook period (with the event occurring the following day). Under the official protocol, a high risk cannot be issued for Day 3 of the outlook period.

High risk days

1982–1989

Thirty-four high risks were issued in the 1980s.

Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 1982–1989
Date	Year	Region	Tornadoes	Max rating	Peak gust	Fatalities	Outlook	Notes
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F5		Template:Nts	File:April 2, 1982 High Risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 2–3, 1982 – Sixty-three tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F5. The first ever PDS Tornado Watch was issued on this date.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:December 24th, 1982 High Risk.png	Twenty-six tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:April 1st, 1983 High Risk.png	Thirteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:July 2, 1983 High Risk.png	Only three weak tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F1.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:March 27th, 1984 High Risk.png	Eleven weak tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F1.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:March 28, 1984 High risk.jpg	1984 Carolinas tornado outbreak – Twenty-four tornadoes were confirmed; seven were rated F4. In addition to the 57 tornadic deaths, 1,249 people were injured. This was and remained the deadliest official high risk day (since SELS/SPC high risk outlooks began) for over 27 years, surpassed by the Super Outbreak of April 27, 2011.
		Great Plains	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:April 26th, 1984 High Risk.png	Thirty-three tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:April 29th, 1984 High Risk.png	Forty-two tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts		Thirty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts		Eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Upper Midwest	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts		Twenty-two tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts		Eleven tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts		Twenty-four weak tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F1.
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts		Fourteen tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F2.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 30th, 1985 High Risk.png	Seventeen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts		Mainly a wind and hail event. Three weak tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F1.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts		Tornado outbreak of March 10–12, 1986 – Four tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts		Fourteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:March 22, 1987 High Risk.png	Nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Texas	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:May 28th, 1987 High Risk.png	Seven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2.
		Michigan	Template:Nts	F0		Template:Nts	File:July 20th, 1987 High Risk.png	Produced a derecho with damaging downburst winds. Four weak tornadoes were confirmed.
		Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:November 16th, 1987 High Risk.png	Twenty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F2.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:December 14th, 1987 High Risk.png	Five tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3. The F3 tornado struck the northern portions of the Memphis metropolitan area.
		Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:January 19 1988 high risk.png	Earliest date that a high risk was issued. Fourteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:March 24th, 1988 High Risk.png	Damaging squall line with tornadoes. Ten tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F2.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:November 4th, 1988 High Risk.png	Eighteen tornadoes were confirmed; four were rated F3.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:November 15th, 1988 High Risk.png	Late season tornado outbreak. Forty-four tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F3.
		Southern U.S.	9	F2		Template:Nts	File:November 26 1988 high risk.png	Nine tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.
		Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:March 5th, 1989 High Risk.png	Nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:May 16 1989 high risk.png	Only high risk ever issued for New Mexico. Twenty tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Louisiana, Texas	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 17th, 1989 High Risk.png	Nineteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:May 24 1989 high risk.png	Thirty-one tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F4.
		Louisiana, Texas	1	F1		Template:Nts	File:June 13th, 1989 High Risk.png	Only one tornado was confirmed. The high risk was issued in the 1300 UTC outlook and removed from all subsequent outlooks.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:November 15 1989 high risk.png	November 1989 tornado outbreak – Seventeen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.

1990–1999

Sixty high risks were issued in the 1990s.

Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 1990–1999
Date	Year	Region	Tornadoes	Max rating	Peak gust	Fatalities	Outlook	Notes
		Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:February 1, 1990 High Risk.png	One weak tornado was confirmed. Only the 1200 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:March 14 1990 high risk.png	Eleven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:May 9, 1990 High Risk.png	Four tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2. Only the 1200 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 15, 1990 High Risk.png	Seventeen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:May 20, 1990 High Risk.png	Ten tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2. Only the 1900 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:May 29, 1990 High Risk.png	Mainly a damaging wind threat. Nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2. Only the 1900 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Great Plains	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:June 1 1990 high risk.png	Twenty-one tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Ohio Valley	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:June 2 1990 high risk.png	June 1990 Lower Ohio Valley tornado outbreak – Sixty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; seven were rated F4.
		Midwest, Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:March 22, 1991 High Risk.png	Twenty-three tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F3.
		Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:March 26, 1991 High Risk.png	Twenty-one tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4. Only the 1900 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:March 27, 1991 High Risk.png	Twenty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F3.
		Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:March 29th, 1991 High Risk.png	Twenty-one tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:April 11th, 1991 High Risk.png	Severe weather outbreak did not consolidate due to a lack of moisture and instability anticipated to develop. Seven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:April 12th, 1991 High Risk.png	Twenty-four tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.
		Central U.S.	Template:Nts	F5		Template:Nts	File:April 26 1991 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 26, 1991 – Fifty-five tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F5.
		Eastern Oklahoma and Kansas	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:April 28th, 1991 High Risk.png	Thunderstorm complex early in the day prevented significant moisture from moving into the region and ultimately limited severe weather activity. Thirteen tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.
		Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:April 19th, 1992.png	Four weak tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F1.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F5		Template:Nts	File:June 16 1992 high risk.png	Mid-June 1992 tornado outbreak – Sixty-five tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F5.
		Great Lakes	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:June 17th, 1992.svg	Mid-June 1992 tornado outbreak – Twenty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:Jun 19th, 1992 High risk.svg	Seventeen tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F1. Only the 1900 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:July 2nd, 1992 High risk.svg	Sixteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:September 9th, 1992 High risk.svg	Only high risk ever issued in September. Squall line with damaging winds and some large hail. Four weak tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F1.
		Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:April 19th, 1993 High risk.svg	Six tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2.
		Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee	Template:Nts	—		Template:Nts	File:June 3rd, 1993 High risk.svg	A high risk was issued for a derecho. No tornadoes were confirmed. Day 1 of 2 for the derecho.
		Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:June 4th, 1993 High risk.svg	Major derecho event. The Lynchburg, Virginia area was hit the hardest. The city had a wind gust to 80 mph, with significant damage reported. Power was cut to 95% of the city. Thirteen tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F1. Only the 1900 UTC outlook had a high risk.
		Upper Midwest	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:June 7 1993 high risk.png	Forty tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F4.
		Great Plains, Upper Midwest	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:June 8th, 1993 High risk.svg	Fifty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Kansas, Nebraska	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:June 23rd, 1993 High risk.svg	Only three tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2.
		Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:July 3rd, 1993 High risk.svg	Thirteen weak tornadoes were confirmed; four were rated F1.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:Which 1C cat categorical t state network WFO wfo DMX csector conus valid 1994-03-27 2147 r t dpi 100.png	1994 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak – Twenty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F4. Only the 1900 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Central U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:April 25 1994 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 25–27, 1994 – Twenty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4. In addition, there were numerous large hail reports, with hail reaching 4.50".
		Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:June 14th, 1994 High risk.svg	Three weak tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F1. Only the 1200 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:August 27th, 1994 High risk.svg	Only high risk ever issued in August. Twelve tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3. The same system also produced an F4 in Turtle Mountain, Manitoba in Canada.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:November 27th, 1994 High risk.svg	Eighteen tornadoes were confirmed; four were rated F3.
		Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:April 17th, 1995 High risk.svg	Primarily a derecho event. Twenty-one tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.
		Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 7th, 1995 High risk.svg	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 6–27, 1995 – Day one of a 5-day event. Thirty-three tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.
		Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:May 12th, 1995 High risk.svg	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 6–27, 1995 – Twelve tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.
		Ohio Valley	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:May 13 1995 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 6–27, 1995 – Included a major derecho. Twenty-six tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F4.
		Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 17th, 1995 High risk.svg	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 6–27, 1995 – Nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:March 18th, 1996 High risk.svg	Twenty-one tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:April 19th, 1996 High risk.svg	Tornado outbreak sequence of April 1996 – A total of 60 tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F3.
		Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi	Template:Nts	F0		Template:Nts	File:March 2nd, 1997 High risk.svg	Two weak and short lived tornadoes were confirmed. Only the 1900 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Alabama, Mississippi	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 2nd, 1997 High risk.svg	Also a derecho event. Eight tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.
		Upper Mississippi Valley	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:July 1st, 1997 High risk.svg	Moderate tornado outbreak reorganized into a progressive derecho. Twenty tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3. High risk was discontinued at 02Z.
		Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:October 25th, 1997 High risk.svg	Nine tornadoes were confirmed; four were rated F1. Only the 1900 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:February 10th, 1998 High risk.svg	High risk issued 15Z and discontinued 02Z. Rare winter serial derecho. Eleven tornadoes were confirmed; five were rated F1.
		Alabama	Template:Nts	F5		Template:Nts	File:April 8 1998 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 6–9, 1998 – High risk lasted the entire outlook cycle. F5 damage in suburban Birmingham. Fourteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F5.
		Middle Mississippi Valley	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:April 15 1998 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 15–16, 1998 – High risk issued 12Z and discontinued 02Z. Day 1 of outbreak. Twenty-one tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Tennessee	Template:Nts	F5		Template:Nts	File:April 16 1998 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 15–16, 1998 – High risk issued 15Z and subsequently maintained. Day 2 of outbreak. Forty-one tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F5.
		Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:May 9th, 1998 High risk.svg	Five weak tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F1. Only the 1930 UTC outlook included a high risk.
		Northeastern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 31 1998 high risk.png	Late-May 1998 tornado outbreak and derecho – Only high risk ever issued in the Northeast (although it was discontinued and reduced to moderate risk at 1930Z, following a morning remnant derecho but prior to/concurrent with occurrence of afternoon into overnight severe weather outbreak). Forty-two tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F3.
		Ohio Valley	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:June 14th, 1998 High risk.svg	High risk was issued 15Z and discontinued 02Z. Followed by a progressive derecho. Twenty-two tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F1.
		Arkansas	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:January 21 1999 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of January 21–23, 1999 – High risk was maintained through the day. Second earliest date that a high risk was issued. Eighty-two tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:March 8th, 1999 High risk.svg	High risk was issued 13Z and discontinued 01Z. Few tornadoes with some scattered hail and wind.
		Iowa, Missouri, Illinois	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:April 8 1999 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 8–9, 1999 – High risk was maintained through the day. Fifty-four tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F4. Some occurred overnight, outside the 01Z high risk area.
		Oklahoma, Kansas	Template:Nts	F5		Template:Nts	File:May 3 1999 high risk.png	1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak – High risk was issued at 20Z and maintained thereafter. Highest winds ever recorded in a tornado, ; seventy-three tornadoes were confirmed, including three F4s and one F5.
		Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:May 4 1999 high risk.png	1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak – High risk was issued 06Z and discontinued at 01Z. Day 2 of outbreak
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:May 5 1999 high risk.png	1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak – High risk was issued 13Z and discontinued 01Z. Only streak of three consecutive High risk days as of March 2025. Major derecho event.
		South Dakota, Nebraska	Template:Nts	F1		Template:Nts	File:June 5 1999 high risk.png	High risk was maintained throughout the day; however, event failed to consolidate with only isolated tornadoes and scattered severe wind reported. A shortwave ridge maintained a capping inversion.

2000–2009

There were no high risk days in 2000. Thirty-eight high risks were issued in the 2000s.

Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 2000–2009
Date	Year	Region	Tornadoes	Max rating	Peak gust	Fatalities	Outlook	Notes
		Texas Panhandle, Western Oklahoma, much of Kansas, and extreme southern Nebraska	Template:Nts	F2	†	Template:Nts	File:April 6 2001 high risk.png	Tornadoes of 2001#April 6–7 – The high risk was issued at 0600Z and discontinued at 0100Z. A serial derecho formed, producing widespread wind damage. 162 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 12 hurricane force. One person was killed by lightning in Ohio. Six tornadoes were also confirmed; two were rated F2.
		Eastern Iowa, Southern Wisconsin, and northwest Illinois	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:April 11 2001 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 10–11, 2001 – The High risk was issued at 1630Z and discontinued at 0100Z. Three people were killed by tornadoes. The event also featured the costly Tri-State hailstorm on the prior day. Thirty-three tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Southern Minnesota, Northeastern Iowa, and West-Central Wisconsin	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:June 11 2001 high risk.png	Tornadoes of 2001#June 11–13 – The high risk was issued at 2000Z and maintained at 0100Z. A progressive derecho produced widespread wind damage, including a measured thunderstorm wind gust of near Atwater, Minnesota. 194 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 5 hurricane force. Twenty-nine tornadoes were also confirmed; one was rated F2. However, some of the tornadoes were associated with landfalling Tropical Storm Allison, not the system that triggered the high risk. One of the tornadoes in Florida killed one person.
		U.S. Gulf Coast	Template:Nts	F3	†	Template:Nts	File:October 13 2001 high risk.png	The high risk was issued for only the 2000Z update. Thirty-two tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3. One person was killed by straight-line winds in Illinois.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F3	†	Template:Nts	File:October 24 2001 high risk.png	Tornadoes of 2001#October 24 – The high risk was maintained throughout the entire day (smaller at 0100Z ahead of the most intense storms over Ohio at that time). A significant tornado event was concentrated mostly in northern portions of the high risk area, with nearly the entire high risk area also experiencing a major serial derecho. One person was killed by straight-line winds in Michigan while another person was also killed in Tennessee. Twenty-five tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3. Over 446 damaging wind gusts were reported across 18 states, including 2 hurricane force.
		Upper Midwest	Template:Nts	F3	†	Template:Nts	File:April 16 2002 high risk.png	This was the last time a High Risk was issued by SPC with no surrounding "Moderate Risk" area. The high risk was issued at 0600Z update; it was removed at 2000Z outlook update due to concern over the extent of how favorable conditions would be for severe weather. However, the initiation of the most intense severe weather occurred after that time. Fourteen tornadoes, with one being rated F3, were confirmed, but were all in Texas and Oklahoma, well outside the high risk. However, widespread hail damage occurred and one person was killed by straight-line winds in Kansas.
		Minnesota, Wisconsin	Template:Nts	F0	†	Template:Nts	File:July 31 2002 high risk.png	Only the 0600Z outlook included a high risk, which was for a significant wind event instead of tornadoes. This is the only day in which a High Risk was issued in only the initial Day 1 outlook, and the second consecutive high risk issuance to be downgraded to a moderate risk before the expected onset of the highest severe weather potential; such a downgrade remains rare as of 2025. It is also the most recent use of a high risk during the July through September period (typically a mid and late summer into very early fall minimum for such outlooks). No fatalities took place. Three weak tornadoes were confirmed. Most severe weather was damaging wind reports.
		Midwest and Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4	†	Template:Nts	File:November 10 2002 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of November 9–11, 2002 – This was the second and most intense day of a late fall tornado outbreak. The high risk was maintained throughout the entire day and is the only time since 1990 in which a fall high risk was issued in back to back years (see October 24, 2001). The issuance of a high risk at the initial 06Z Day 1 Outlook notably followed a Day 2 Outlook for the same period that did not contain a moderate risk area, as both Day 2 outlooks issued the day before included only an enhanced slight risk. This is the last time as of 2025 that a High Risk outlook was issued for a 12Z-12Z convective period without at least one prior Moderate Risk outlook valid for the same period. The main high risk area featured numerous tornadoes, including a pair of long-tracked F-3s. However, the strongest tornado, rated F-4, occurred in a separate, significant outbreak over Ohio, outside the high hisk. The 01z outlook extended the moderate and high risk zones north into this area, but few tornadoes would occur in this area beyond 01Z, while significant tornadoes continued past 01Z in southern portions of the high risk area. In total, sixty-one tornadoes were confirmed. Thirty-one people were killed during the outlook period.
		Texas, Louisiana	Template:Nts	F1	†	Template:Nts	File:December 23 2002 high risk.png	Tornadoes of 2002#December 23–24 – One of only two high risks ever issued in December and second latest in the year (first was December 24, 1982). The high risk was maintained throughout the entire day for both widespread wind damage and isolated strong tornadoes, but the day busted as a whole. Fifteen tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F1.
		Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi	Template:Nts	F3		Template:Nts	File:April 6 2003 high risk.png	Tornadoes of 2003#April 4–7 – The high risk was issued at 1630Z and subsequently maintained. Eighteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Central U.S.	Template:Nts	F4	†	Template:Nts	File:May 4 2003 high risk.png	May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – Most prolific day of an at the time record setting tornado outbreak sequence. The high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Seventy-nine tornadoes were confirmed; four were rated F4.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3	†	Template:Nts	File:May 5 2003 high risk.png	May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – The high risk was issued at 1630Z and discontinued at 01Z. Twenty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.
		Kansas, Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:May 8 2003 high risk.png	May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – The high risk was issued at 1630Z and expanded southward at 20Z, then fully discontinued at 01Z. Forty-five tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4 (occurring in the area not upgraded to a high risk until 20Z).
		Central U.S.	Template:Nts	F3	†	Template:Nts	File:May 10 2003 high risk.png	May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – The high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Forty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F3. Also included 35% tornado probability area, above the 25% (prior to 2006) minimum threshold for a high risk.
		Texas, Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F2	†	Template:Nts	File:May 15 2003 high risk.png	The high risk spanned the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. Forty-seven tornadoes were confirmed; seven were rated F2.
		Texas, Oklahoma	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:March 4 2004 high risk.png	The high risk was issued at 1630Z and discontinued at 01Z. Reorganized into a large serial derecho. Twenty-five tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.
		Nebraska, Iowa	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:May 22 2004 high risk.png	May 2004 tornado outbreak sequence/2004 Hallam tornado – Sixty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4. The F4 tornado was the largest tornado on record at the time with a peak width of as it struck Hallam, Nebraska. This is the first time a high risk did not appear until the 01Z outlook (which was prior to the Hallam tornado) within an outlook cycle, which has occurred one additional time since (on April 30, 2010).
		Nebraska, Iowa	Template:Nts	F2	†	Template:Nts	File:May 24 2004 high risk.png	May 2004 tornado outbreak sequence – The high risk lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. Also a major derecho event. Included a 45% sig risk for damaging winds, meeting high risk criteria for the time (prior to 2006). Fifty-four tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2. 128 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 3 hurricane force.
		Central U.S.	Template:Nts	F4		Template:Nts	File:May 29 2004 high risk.png	May 2004 tornado outbreak sequence – The high risk lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. Eighty tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.
		Central U.S.	Template:Nts	F3	†	Template:Nts	File:May 30 2004 high risk.png	May 2004 tornado outbreak sequence – For the second consecutive May and the last occurrence as of March 2025, a fourth high risk day was issued in an eight-day period. The high risk lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. Eighty-six tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3. Included 35% tornado risk area above the (at the time) minimum threshold of 25%.
		Louisiana, Mississippi	Template:Nts	F0		Template:Nts	File:April 11 2005 high risk.png	Only the 1630Z outlook had a high risk. Three weak tornadoes were confirmed.
		Central U.S.	Template:Nts	F2	†	Template:Nts	File:June 4 2005 high risk.png	The high risk was issued at 13Z and discontinued at 01Z. Forty-four tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2.
		Midwest and Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F4	†	Template:Nts	File:November 15 2005 high risk.png	Mid-November 2005 tornado outbreak – The high risk lasted the entire outlook cycle. Forty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4. This was the only violent tornado to be recorded in 2005. Two days later, portions of the High Risk area had below freezing high temperatures - the coldest conditions within two of any High Risk outlook since at least 1995.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	F4	†	Template:Nts	File:March 12 2006 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak sequence of March 9–13, 2006 – The high risk lasted the entire outlook cycle. This was the first High Risk to use a 30% tornado probability, which became the minimum threshold in 2006 (25% and 35% contours were discontinued). Fifty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4. Most F2+ tornadoes were in Missouri, making it one of the state's strongest tornado outbreaks, and the strongest this early in the year. One supercell storm tracked nearly 800 miles from Oklahoma to Michigan, producing many tornadoes along its path.
		Nebraska, Kansas	Template:Nts	F2		Template:Nts	File:April 6 2006 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 6–8, 2006 – The high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Twelve tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F2.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	F3	†	Template:Nts	File:April 7 2006 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 6–8, 2006 – Only known high risk to include a 60% tornado contour, the highest level issued by the SPC. It was also the first of only three known occurrences (the others being April 14, 2012 and March 15, 2025) in which a Day 2 high risk outlook was issued, and the high risk persisted for the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. This aforementioned Day 2 high risk produced the first/only instance to date (as of 2025) where a high risk was simultaneously in effect for both Day 1 (see April 6, 2006 above) and Day 2, and a simultaneous occurrence of a Day 1 moderate risk and Day 2 high risk was not observed until March 14–15, 2025. Forty-seven tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.
		Southern U.S.	Template:Nts	EF4	†	Template:Nts	File:March 1 2007 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of February 28 – March 2, 2007 – The high risk was issued 06Z and discontinued 01Z. Thirty-six tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated EF4.
		Texas	Template:Nts	EF1	†	Template:Nts	File:April 13 2007 high risk.png	April 2007 nor'easter – The high risk was issued at 20Z and subsequently maintained. However, only seven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF1.
		Texas	Template:Nts	EF3	†	Template:Nts	File:April 24 2007 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak sequence of April 20–27, 2007 – The high risk was issued at 20Z and subsequently maintained. Twenty-three tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3, although this all occurred outside the high risk area, which saw virtually no activity. The supercell that produced the EF3 tornado also produced an F4 tornado in Mexico before crossing the international border.
		Nebraska, Kansas	Template:Nts	EF3		Template:Nts	File:May 5 2007 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of May 4–6, 2007 – The high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Ninety tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated EF3. Notably, an EF5 tornado related to the same system (and the strongest tornado of the multi-day outbreak sequence) also occurred the day before, which was a moderate risk day.
		Upper Midwest	Template:Nts	EF3	†	Template:Nts	File:June 7 2007 high risk.png	The high risk was issued at 06Z and discontinued at 01Z. Reorganized into a moderate wind event. Included a 60% sig risk for damaging winds for the 1200z outlook before being switched back to a 30% sig tornado risk in the 1300z outlook. This is the latest date in the spring severe weather season during the 20th century that a 30% tornado area has been issued. Twelve tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3. 135 damaging gusts were reported. However, the 3 hurricane force wind gusts occurred in Missouri, outside the high risk.
		Middle Mississippi Valley	Template:Nts	EF4	†	Template:Nts	File:February 5 2008 high risk.png	2008 Super Tuesday tornado outbreak – The high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Sixty-three tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated EF4. One EF4 tornado in Arkansas tracked over 120 miles. One of only two high risks issued in January or February since January 21, 1999, continuing to present, with the other being January 22, 2017. This was the deadliest day at the time for tornadoes since May 31, 1985.
		Georgia, South Carolina	Template:Nts	EF3	†	Template:Nts	File:March 15 2008 high risk.png	2008 Atlanta tornado outbreak – Only the 20Z outlook had a high risk area. Forty-four tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated EF3.
		Kansas	Template:Nts	EF3	†	Template:Nts	File:May 22 2008 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of May 22–27, 2008 – The high risk was issued at 20Z and subsequently maintained. Twenty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3.
		Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota	Template:Nts	EF3	†	Template:Nts	File:May 29 2008 high risk.png	List of United States tornadoes in May 2008#May 29 event – The high risk was issued at 1630Z and discontinued at 01Z. Thirty-seven tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated EF3.
		Midwest	Template:Nts	EF2	†	Template:Nts	File:June 5 2008 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak sequence of June 3–11, 2008 – The high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Also included a 60% significant severe wind probability, which meets high risk standards (the High Risk area in the 01Z outlook was sustained by this wind risk, with a maximum 15% tornado probability in that outlook; and the 30% tornado area in prior outlooks was considerably smaller than the 60% wind area). Forty tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated EF2. 261 damaging wind gusts were reported including 10 hurricane-force which were up to 100 mph, though many occurred south of the high risk.
		Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee	Template:Nts	EF4	†	Template:Nts	File:April 10 2009 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 9–11, 2009 – Only the 20Z outlook had a high risk. Sixty-two tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF4.
		Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas	Template:Nts	EF2	†	Template:Nts	File:April 26 2009 high risk.png	Eleven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF2. The high risk was issued at 1630Z and, despite the maintenance of the high risk through the rest of the day, the outbreak busted as a whole.
† – Value is estimated

2010–2019

There were no high risk days in 2015, 2016, or 2018. This is the first decade to feature multiple years without a High Risk. 2018 was also the only year since 1950 to feature no violent (EF4+ tornadoes) nationwide. Twenty-three high risks were issued in the 2010s.

Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 2010–2019
Date	Year	Region	Tornadoes	Max rating	Peak gust	Fatalities	Outlook	Notes
		Southern U.S.	39	EF4	†	10	File:April 24 2010 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 22–25, 2010 – A high risk was issued at 06Z issued for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. There were 39 tornadoes confirmed; two were rated EF4. One of the EF4 tornado was the second (then-first) widest in Mississippi state history, and the fourth-longest tracked in the state. The strongest tornadoes were in/near the high risk area. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
		Arkansas	27	EF3	†	1	File:April 30 2010 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 30 – May 2, 2010 – A high risk was issued on the first day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. For only the second known time a high risk was not issued until 0100 UTC (the other occurrence May 22, 2004). This is the last 01Z High Risk upgrade to date. The eventual high risk area was only in an enhanced slight risk prior to 20Z. This is the only day in which the entire area to eventually be in a high risk was not even in a moderate risk until 2000Z. There were 28 tornadoes confirmed; two were rated EF3.
		Middle Mississippi Valley	30	EF3	†	0	File:May 1 2010 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 30 – May 2, 2010 – A high risk was issued at 13Z on the second day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes, and was subsequently maintained. Only 11 weak tornadoes were confirmed during the day, but several strong tornadoes, one of which was rated EF3, occurred overnight focused on the eastern portions of the high risk area and into the bordering moderate risk. A major flood disaster also occurred from the same storm.
		Oklahoma, Kansas	70	EF4	†	3	File:May 10 2010 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of May 10–13, 2010 – A high risk lasted the entire outlook cycle on the first day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. There were 70 tornadoes confirmed; two were rated EF4, both of which occurred around the west edge of the high risk in the southern suburbs of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and were responsible for the three fatalities during the outbreak.
		Oklahoma	13	EF1	†	0	File:May 19 2010 high risk.png	Tornadoes of 2010#May 18–21 – A high risk was issued at 1630Z on the second day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. Overall, the event busted, only 13 weak tornadoes, seven of which were rated EF1, were confirmed in the area, although significant flooding occurred from the same storm system. The high risk was discontinued at 01Z.
		Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan	43	EF2	†	0	File:October 26 2010 high risk.png	October 2010 North American storm complex – This was a major derecho event. The high risk was issued at 06Z based on 60% significant severe wind probability, with a tornado probability of 15% falling short of high risk standards. There were 43 tornadoes confirmed; five were rated EF2. There were also 339 damaging wind reports including 7 hurricane-force gusts (many inside the high risk) up to . The high risk was discontinued at 2000Z as the squall line was most intense in the morning and early afternoon. The storm system (nicknamed "Octbomb") responsible for this severe weather outbreak also featured near-record nontropical low pressure over Minnesota.
		North Carolina, Virginia	53	EF3	†	26	File:April 16, 2011 high risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 14–16, 2011 – A high risk was issued at 1630Z on the third day of the aforementioned outbreak (which had already produced a substantial tornado outbreak on the prior days) for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 58 tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated EF3, two of which had path lengths of over with the first striking Raleigh, North Carolina (albeit at EF1 strength). The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z as the storms had mostly moved off the East Coast.
		South-Central U.S.	55	EF3	†	0	File:April 26, 2011 High Risk.png	2011 Super Outbreak – A high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained on the second day of the record-setting aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. In the 1630z outlook, the wind risk was also upgraded to 60%, which meets high risk criteria. There were 55 tornado touch downs during the day; one was rated EF3. 390 damaging wind gusts were also reported, including 5 hurricane gusts. Despite the abundance of tornadoes and wind reports, most of the severe activity happened either along and south of the southern part of the high-risk area or well to the east in the slight risk area over Alabama. Additionally, on the previous day (April 25, the first day of this sequence), a moderate risk was in effect simultaneously for that day (the 25th), in anticipation for this day (the 26th; Day 2 outlook), and also in anticipation for the following day (April 27; Day 3 outlook; which turned into an extremely destructive and record setting high risk day - see below). This is the only known simultaneous occurrence of Day 1, 2, and 3 moderate risk outlooks.
		Southern U.S.	215	EF5	†	316	File:April 27, 2011 High Risk.png	2011 Super Outbreak – The high risk lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. This was day 3 of the record-setting aforementioned outbreak; this day alone set the record for most tornadoes in a 24-hour period. It was also the deadliest high risk day on record as well as the deadliest single day outbreak in the United States since the Tri-State tornado outbreak on March 18, 1925. The outlook included a 45% significant tornado area that was introduced at 1630Z (the first instance of a 45% tornado area being added prior to the 20Z outlook), which is above the minimum threshold for a high risk. It also produced the first known watch (PDS tornado watch 235) with a >95% probability for all severe and significant severe hazards. The tornadoes came in three rounds starting with two damaging morning squall lines followed by an outbreak of large tornadic supercells. The strongest (violent EF4/EF5) tornadoes occurred in the high risk area (many in/near the 45% probability) associated with these large supercells, while dozens of other tornadoes were confirmed throughout the other risk areas. Three of the tornadoes tracked over , with one of them becoming the deadliest tornado ever recorded in Alabama. Several areas that had experienced tornadoes either from that morning or from other outbreaks earlier that year were struck again as well. One violent tornado struck both Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Alabama, remaining on the ground in-between. There were 215 tornado touchdowns; four were rated EF5, the second most for a calendar day (the record is the Super Outbreak of April 3, 1974). An additional 11 EF4 tornadoes were also reported, and the total of 15 violent tornadoes (EF4+) was the third most on record, behind the 1974 Super Outbreak and the 1965 Palm Sunday outbreak (all of these numbers are the most of any day since 1982, when records of High Risk outlooks begin). An additional F0 tornado was confirmed in Canada.
		Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas	47	EF5	†*	17	File:May 24, 2011 High Risk.gif	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 21–26, 2011 – The high risk was issued at 06Z and discontinued at 01Z. This was day 4 of the aforementioned outbreak sequence and included a 45% significant tornado area introduced at 1630Z, above the minimum high-risk threshold. There were 47 tornado touchdowns; one (occurring within the high risk and 45% tornado area over Oklahoma) was rated EF5. This EF5 occurred only two days after the devastating Joplin EF5 from the same overall storm sequence (however, a high risk outlook was not issued on May 22). The two EF4 tornadoes that were confirmed that day may have also reached EF5 intensity. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z. This is the last High Risk day as of early 2025 to produce an official EF5 tornado (however, an EF5 tornado did occur more recently in 2013 in Oklahoma on a Moderate Risk day).
		Midwest	94	EF4	†	1	File:May 25, 2011 High Risk.gif	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 21–26, 2011 – A high risk was issued at 13Z on the fifth day of the aforementioned outbreak sequence for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 94 tornadoes were confirmed; one (which occurred inside of the high risk) was rated EF4; three of the tornadoes were in California, well to the west of the main risk area. The high-risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
		Midwest and Southern U.S.	64	EF4	†	41	File:March 2, 2012 High Risk.gif	Tornado outbreak of March 2–3, 2012 – A high risk was issued at 13Z on the first day of the aforementioned outbreak (but fourth day of a storm sequence that began February 28) for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 64 tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated EF4, both of which were produced by the same supercell, which also produced an EF3 tornado, all within the high risk area. Another EF3 tornado tracked for over through eastern Kentucky and southwestern West Virginia. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
		Central U.S.	83	EF4		6	File:April 14, 2012 High Risk.png	Tornado outbreak of April 13–16, 2012 – This was day 2 of aforementioned outbreak; it was the second of three high risks to be issued on Day 2 (the day before the event; first Day 2 high risk was for April 7, 2006, and the third was for March 15, 2025) and the first/only to date ever issued on the initial (0600Z) Day 2 outlook. It included 45% tornado probability above minimum threshold of 30%. This was the only day to have a 45% tornado area in its 06Z Day 1 Outlook (although that 45% area was north of most of the tornadoes; by 20Z the 45% area had been shifted southward and covered the region that ultimately saw the most/densest tornado activity). A total of 83 tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF4. The high risk largely busted in most of Oklahoma (except far northern and western) as the brunt of outbreak was focused in Kansas. The high risk was maintained for the entire Day 1 cycle (in addition to both Day 2 outlooks) in the regions where most of the tornadoes including the strongest tornadoes occurred (the southern end of the high risk, which lacked storms due to capping until well into the night when a moderate squall line containing only a few embedded tornadoes developed along the cold front as it overtook the dryline, was trimmed back to a moderate risk at 01Z).
		Midwest	19	EF3	†	0	File:June 12, 2013 High Risk.gif	June 12–13, 2013 derecho series – This is the latest date of a 'spring season' high risk in the 21st century to date. The high risk was issued at 1630Z driven by 60% significant severe wind probability as the maximum tornado probability was a hatched 15% area, just short of the high risk level. (The latest spring season issuance of a 30% tornado area in the 21st century is June 7, 2007.) A total of 19 tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3. 278 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 4 hurricane force gusts, though most occurred over Ohio and were east of the high risk and near or after its 01Z discontinuation. The high risk was discontinued at 01Z.
		Midwest	77	EF4	†	8	File:November 17, 2013 High Risk.gif	Tornado outbreak of November 17, 2013 – The high risk was initially issued at 06Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. This was an unusually far north tornado outbreak and one of only five high risk days during the month of November in recorded history (three since 2000). Many Midwest cities (including Chicago, South Bend, and Fort Wayne) outside the climatologically most frequent high risk locations experienced their second high risk day of 2013. It was the second latest date in the year a high risk has been issued since 2000 (the latest was December 23, 2002, in the Deep South), and latest date in a calendar year that a high risk has been issued in the Midwest (second latest is November 15, 2005). It also included a high risk level (60% significant severe) wind probability in the 2000Z outlook. In all, 77 tornadoes were confirmed largely in and near the high risk area; two were rated EF4, both occurring in the western portion of the high risk area. 579 wind reports were also recorded, including 19 hurricane-force. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z as the cold front and related storms had moved eastward into the bordering moderate area (which was maintained primarily for wind). This was the last High Risk issued during the fall severe weather season for over a decade (although incidents of significant fall/early winter season tornadoes have occurred more recently).
		Southwestern Arkansas	18	EF4	†	19	File:April 27, 2014 High Risk.gif	Tornado outbreak of April 27–30, 2014 – This was the first day of the aforementioned outbreak. A small high risk area was issued at the 2000Z outlook that included the cities of Little Rock, Camden, and Danville for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. An EF4 tornado was confirmed in the risk area before the high risk was discontinued in a special outlook update at 0230Z. The outlook period as a whole produced 18 tornadoes.
		Alabama, Mississippi	57	EF4	†	16	File:April 28, 2014 High risk.gif	Tornado outbreak of April 27–30, 2014 – This was the second day of the aforementioned outbreak. A high risk was issued at the 2000Z outlook for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. Numerous long-tracked and/or strong to violent tornadoes occurred across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. It was the largest tornado outbreak in central Alabama since April 27, 2011. A total of 57 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period; one was rated EF4. The strongest tornadoes were in or nearby to the high risk. This is the last occurrence of back to back high risk days for at least a decade (continuing as of early 2025; and three consecutive high risk days have not occurred in 25 years, since May 1999). The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
		Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri	9	EF3	†	0	File:June 3, 2014 High risk.gif	Tornadoes of 2014#June 3–4 – The high risk was issued at 2000Z for 60% wind probability and potential derecho; tornado probability was 10%, well short of high risk level. Extreme hail/wind and some tornadoes were reported, although most of the activity remained along or south of the southern part of the high risk. Nine tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period; one tornado was rated EF3. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
		Georgia, Florida	17	EF3		16	File:January 22, 2017 2000 UTC High Risk.gif	Tornado outbreak of January 21–23, 2017 – An unusual January High Risk (the first since 1999) followed the longest known gap (over 30 months) between High Risk days. This was the second day of the aforementioned outbreak. The high risk was issued at 13Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes, primarily in northern Florida and southern Georgia. This was also the first high risk issued under the five-category system (which began in October 2014), and also the furthest southeast (Florida panhandle) a high risk has been issued in the 21st century. There were 17 confirmed tornado touchdowns during the outlook period; one tornado, which was rated EF3, traveled over and was over a wide. There were six fatalities from tornadoes along with one non-tornadic death. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
		Texas, Louisiana	30	EF2		2	File:2017-04-02 1630 convective outlook.gif	Tornadoes of 2017#April 2–3 – This was the first day of the aforementioned outbreak. The high risk was issued at 1630Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. Although most of the tornadoes that touched down were relatively weak and short-lived, seven of them were more than wide, including one that reached a peak width of just over wide, and multiple tornado emergencies were issued. 30 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period; six of them were rated EF2. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
		Georgia, South Carolina	26	EF2		0	File:2017-04-05 1630 UTC Day 1 convective outlook.gif	Tornadoes of 2017#April 4–6 – This was the second day of the aforementioned outbreak. The high risk was issued at 1630Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 26 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, four of which were rated EF2, although the tornadoes were mostly scattered throughout the various severe risk areas rather than being concentrated within the high risk area. One EF2 tornado in Georgia did prompt the issuance of a tornado emergency. The high risk was discontinued at around 0100Z.
		Kansas, Oklahoma	58	EF2		0	File:2017-05-18 1200 UTC Day 1 convective outlook.gif	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 15–20, 2017 – This was day 4 of the outbreak sequence. The high risk was issued at 06Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 58 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, three of which were rated EF2. However, only weak, scattered tornadoes were reported in the high risk area, which saw a large area of heavy rain when the most favorable tornado parameters arrived; the strongest tornadoes occurred to the east of that area. The high risk was discontinued at 01Z.
		Oklahoma, Texas	51	EF3		0	File:2019-05-20 1630 UTC Day 1 convective outlook.gif	Tornado outbreak sequence of May 2019 – This was day 4 of the outbreak sequence. The high risk was initially issued at 06Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes; this risk area was subsequently expanded and upgraded to a 45% probability of significant tornadoes, exceeding the minimum high risk criteria at the 1630Z outlook. This high risk produced the second known tornado watch with a >95% chance of all hazards (PDS Tornado Watch 199). The event did not quite live up to the high parameters that were in place for the day with sustained supercells failing to develop in the 45% risk, likely in part because of more persistent low cloud cover. However, 50 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, many in/near the high risk area and one of which was rated EF3 (one of the tornadoes was also well outside of the risk area in Arizona). The high risk lasted for the entire outlook period, although the 01Z outlook had only a much smaller high risk area focusing on one lone supercell.
† – Value is estimated * – Peak wind gust of measured during the EF5 El Reno tornado

2020–present

There were no high-risk days in 2020 or 2022. Six high risks have been issued so far in the 2020s.

Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 2020–Template:Currentyear
Date	Year	Region	Tornadoes	Max rating	Peak gust	Fatalities	Outlook	Notes
		Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Arkansas	40	EF2		0	File:Day1otlk 20210317 1630 prt.gif	Tornado outbreak of March 16–18, 2021 – This was day 2 of the outbreak. The high risk, which lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle, was initially issued for a 30% hatched area for tornadoes; this was upgraded to a 45% hatched area for tornadoes at 1606Z. A total of 40 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, four of which were rated EF2, although little tornado activity occurred within the 45% risk area.
		Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee	20	EF4		6	File:SPC Outlook March 25, 2021 1630z.gif	Tornado outbreak sequence of March 24–28, 2021 – This was day 2 of the outbreak sequence. The high risk was issued at 06Z for a 30% hatched area for tornadoes. A PDS tornado watch was issued, with a >95% chance for both tornadoes and strong tornadoes, and high probabilities for most other categories. Multiple tornado emergencies were issued for at least three different tornadoes. The high risk was discontinued at 01z and downgraded to an enhanced risk as the storm system began weakening and the supercells began dying off, although the strongest tornado, which was rated EF4, took place a few hours after that time, and was east of where the high risk had been in place in earlier outlooks. A total of 20 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period.
		Upper and Lower Mississippi Valleys	114	EF4		23	File:Day1otlk 1630 3312023.gif	Tornado outbreak of March 31 – April 1, 2023 – Two high risk zones were issued at 1630Z with 30% hatched areas for tornadoes. The northern of the two zones was discontinued at 01Z, whereas the southern zone was subsequently maintained. Multiple tornado emergencies and mass casualty events were issued during the outbreak. A total of 114 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, one of which was rated EF4 and occurred in the northern high risk area prior to its 01Z removal. This was the first instance of two separate high risk areas since the initial 06Z outlook on April 14, 2012, and the first time in the 21st century in which the 1630Z and 20Z outlooks had separate high risk zones. This was also the deadliest high risk day since March 2, 2012.
May 6	2024	Oklahoma, Kansas	47	EF4		2	File:May 6, 2024 1300Z Storm Prediction Center Day 1 convective outlook.gif	Tornado outbreak of May 6–10, 2024 – A high risk zone was issued at the 13Z outlook and subsequently maintained for a 30% hatched area for tornadoes. 47 tornadoes were confirmed, including a violent EF4 tornado that struck Barnsdall and Bartlesville, Oklahoma after dark, occurring within the high risk area in the 01Z outlook update and killing two people. However, all of the other tornadoes were weak, and the southern portion of the high risk generally lacked tornado reports.
March 15	2025	Mississippi, Alabama	43	EF4		10	File:1300Z Day 1 outlook, March 15, 2025.gif	Tornado outbreak of March 13–16, 2025 – A high risk was issued in the 1730Z Day 2 convective outlook, with a 30% risk for significant tornadoes. It was only the third ever issuance of a Day 2 high risk in SPC history, and the first since April 14, 2012. This is also the first Day 2 high risk under the five category outlook system, which began in October 2014, as well as the first Day 2 high risk since Day 2 individual hazard probability graphics began in January 2020. The high risk area was expanded slightly for the 0600 UTC Day 1 Outlook issuance, with a continued focus on a 30% hatched (significant) area for tornadoes. Multiple intense tornadoes occurred in the High Risk area, particularly across southern Mississippi. This includes the EF4 tornado that struck the northwestern portion of Walthall County, Mississippi near Tylertown, Mississippi. In all, 43 tornadoes occurred during the outbreak period. The high risk was discontinued at 0100 UTC update.
April 2	2025	Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky	91	EF3		1	File:Day1otlk 20250402 1300 prt.gif	Tornado outbreak and floods of April 2–7, 2025 – A high risk was issued in the 0600Z Day 1 convective outlook, with a 30% risk for significant tornadoes. The high risk would be expanded southwestward in the 13Z outlook update. Widespread intense severe thunderstorms occurred across the high risk area. Numerous tornado warnings, including several PDS tornado warnings and two tornado emergencies were issued. The high risk was maintained throughout the entire outlook cycle with 91 tornadoes touching down during that time.

See also

• List of Storm Prediction Center mesoscale discussions on individual tornadoes
• List of Storm Prediction Center extremely critical days
• List of tornado emergencies

External links

• High Risk archive