Tornadoes of 1988
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. Synopsis. 1988 was one of the least active tornado seasons 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. Events. Confirmed  tornado total for the entire year 1988 in the United States. January. There were 17 tornadoes confirmed in the US in January. January 19. Three separate tornadoes, rated F2/F3, killed five people in Tennessee, one of which killed 3 and injured 24 in Williston. An F4 tornado also struck Attala County, Mississippi, but resulted in no fatalities. February. There were 4 tornadoes confirmed in the US in February. March. There were 28 tornadoes confirmed in the US in March. April. There were 58 tornadoes confirmed in the US in April. April 19. An F3 tornado killed four people in  Madison, Florida. May. There were 132 tornadoes confirmed in the US in May. May 8. A large outbreak saw 57 tornadoes, mainly in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin (two rated as high as F3 in Darlington, Wisconsin and Eldridge, Iowa). There were no fatalities. June. There were 63 tornadoes confirmed in the US in June. 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. June 15. An F3 tornado struck 4.4 miles south of downtown Denver, Colorado. July. There were 103 tornadoes confirmed in the  US in July. July 5. A tornado outbreak saw three F3 tornadoes in and around Fort Benton, Montana. There were no reported fatalities. August. There were 61 tornadoes confirmed in the US in August. September. There were 76 tornadoes confirmed in the US in September. October. There was 19 tornadoes confirmed in the US in October. November. There were 121 tornadoes confirmed in the US in November. November 15. An F2 tornado killed five people in Arkansas. November 28. The 1988 F4 Raleigh tornado killed four people and was part of a series of moderate outbreaks that month. December. There  were 20 tornadoes confirmed in the US in December. December 24. An F4 tornado killed one person in Franklin, Tennessee.