Coahoma County, Mississippi

County storm and disaster record · FIPS 28027 · population 21,300 · 553 sq mi

NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 479 records for Coahoma County, Mississippi from 1950 through June 30, 2026, on 408 days; the most frequent are heat records (141 records). The deadliest single record is the April 29, 1963 tornado: 5 deaths and 10 injuries. FEMA has issued 23 declarations naming the county since 1973, 21 of them for natural hazards; the latest for a natural hazard was “Severe Winter Storm” on February 6, 2026.

The record, 1950 to 2026

Storm records filed for the county each year (2026 to June 30, 2026). Before 1996 NOAA recorded only tornadoes (from 1950), thunderstorm wind and hail (from 1955).

  • recorded, no damage figure
  • under $100,000
  • $100,000 or more
  • $1 million or more
  • $10 million or more, or a death
  • $100 million or more, or 10 deaths
  • a year's colour: its recorded damage or deaths
  • a year with a death
  • 1955: wind and hail recorded from 1955
  • 1996: all 48 event types from 1996
Storm records
479on 408 days, 1950 to June 30, 2026
Deaths recorded
1167 injuries
Damage, 2025 dollars
$147Mas filed (scale steps before 1993)
Tornadoes
29strongest EF3
FEMA declarations
23latest 2026

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records through June 30, 2026 (file revision 20260918); damage converted to 2025 dollars with the BLS CPI-U. Search the record at NCEI. BLS consumer price index.

What hazards hit Coahoma County most?

The most frequent records are heat records: 141 since 2007. 77% of its heat records since 2007 fell in July and August. The rank column places the county among Mississippi's counties by days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land over each hazard's complete period.

Coahoma County: records by hazard, 1950 to June 30, 2026
HazardRecordsDaysFirst, lastKilledInjuredDamageRank in state
Heat 141 138 2007-2026 1 0 – 5 of 82
Severe thunderstorm wind 136 112 1959-2025 1 8 $2.0M 61 of 82
Hail 61 52 1966-2025 0 0 $5.7M 66 of 82
Drought 39 39 2007-2026 0 0 – 3 of 82
Winter storms 33 33 1996-2026 0 0 $167K 18 of 82
Tornadoes 29 24 1953-2015 9 59 $136M 55 of 82
Floods 23 23 1997-2021 0 0 $2.7M 55 of 82
Extreme cold 8 7 2022-2026 0 0 – 16 of 82
High wind and dust storms 6 6 1999-2020 0 0 $189K 44 of 82
Hurricanes and tropical storms 2 2 2005-2005 0 0 $23K 68 of 82
Lightning 1 1 1997-1997 0 0 $18K 69 of 82

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database (county and forecast-zone records attributed to the county; a zone record shows its own totals on each county it covers). Days: dates with at least one record of the hazard in the county. Ranks: days with a record per 1,000 square miles of land (Census Bureau 2024 Gazetteer), since 1950 for tornadoes, 1955 for hail and thunderstorm wind, 1996 for the rest.

How many tornadoes has Coahoma County had?

NOAA records 29 tornadoes in Coahoma County from 1953 to 2015, the strongest rated EF3, with 9 deaths and 59 injuries recorded in the county. A tornado that crossed a county line is counted in each county it touched, with the length of its path inside the county.

Counted as whole tornadoes rather than county records, the Storm Prediction Center's database holds 27 tornadoes whose track touched Coahoma County since 1950 (NOAA's county records number 29: they file a crossing tornado once per county segment, and the two databases differ on some tracks); along their whole tracks they killed 9 people.

The deadliest and strongest tornadoes that touched Coahoma County, whole tracks
DateTornadoRatingPathKilled
1963-04-29 15:20, as SPC files itCoahoma to LulaF35.7 mi5
2015-12-23 14:54, as SPC files itMarksEF361.57 mi2
2013-12-21 17:19, as SPC files itClarksdaleEF210.07 mi1
1959-06-11 14:15, as SPC files itClarksdaleF10.1 mi1
1976-04-24 17:40, as SPC files itJonestownF324.6 mi0

Map of the strongest tornado tracks in Mississippi.

Every tornado record filed for Coahoma County (29)
Every tornado recorded in Coahoma County, newest first
DatePlaceCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2015-12-23 Africa, Coahoma County EF3 14.53 mi x 800 yd 2 19 $747K
2013-12-21 Rena Lara, Coahoma County EF2 10.07 mi x 300 yd 1 2 $1.3M
2011-04-26 Hillhouse, Coahoma County EF0 24.51 mi x 200 yd 0 0 $92K
2011-04-26 Friars Pt, Coahoma County EF0 13.89 mi x 200 yd 0 0 $66K
2011-04-26 Humber, Coahoma County EF0 5.13 mi x 200 yd 0 0 $7K
2009-07-30 Green Grove, Coahoma County EF2 4.24 mi x 600 yd 0 0 $1.0M
2009-07-30 Hillhouse, Coahoma County EF2 2.19 mi x 600 yd 0 0 $2.8M
2009-05-06 Lyon, Coahoma County EF1 0.11 mi x 25 yd 0 0 $83K
2001-11-24 Roundaway, Coahoma County F1 4 mi x 75 yd 0 0 $83K
1994-06-09 Clarksdale, Coahoma County F0 0.25 mi x 25 yd 0 0 $995
1991-04-19 Coahoma County F0 0.5 mi x 30 yd 0 0 –
1988-11-19 Coahoma County F1 6 mi x 60 yd 0 0 $250K step
1984-05-02 Coahoma County F1 0.5 mi x 77 yd 0 0 $250K step
1984-05-02 Coahoma County F1 7 mi x 100 yd 0 13 $2.5M step
1984-04-29 Coahoma County F1 2 mi x 100 yd 0 2 $250K step
1979-04-11 Coahoma County F1 0.5 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $25K step
1978-05-12 Coahoma County F2 5.7 mi x 100 yd 0 0 $25M step
1976-04-24 Coahoma County F3 16.9 mi x 300 yd 0 1 $250K step
1974-07-16 Coahoma County F2 0.5 mi x 50 yd 0 0 $25K step
1972-04-03 Coahoma County F1 4.7 mi x 33 yd 0 0 $25K step
1971-06-27 Coahoma County F1 0 0 –
1969-05-17 Coahoma County F1 0 0 –
1964-11-19 Coahoma County F2 14.9 mi x 33 yd 0 0 $25K step
1963-04-29 Coahoma County F1 0 0 –
1963-04-29 Coahoma County F3 5.7 mi x 440 yd 5 10 $250K step
1959-06-11 Coahoma County F1 1 0 $25K step
1955-10-28 Coahoma County F2 2 mi x 33 yd 0 1 $250K step
1953-12-05 Coahoma County F2 8.2 mi x 30 yd 0 11 $25K step
1953-03-21 Coahoma County F1 9 mi x 10 yd 0 0 $25K step

A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, tornado records by county (path length in the county, maximum width); ratings as published: F scale before February 1, 2007, EF scale after. Whole-track figures: NOAA Storm Prediction Center tornado database (1950-2025). SPC severe weather database.

When was the last damaging storm in Coahoma County?

The most recent record with damage, injuries or deaths is the January 23, 2026 winter storm ($100,000 in damage in 2025 dollars).

The 12 most recent records kept for Coahoma County
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
2026-06-30 HeatCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-06-29 HeatCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-06-09 HeatCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-06-01 DroughtCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-05-01 DroughtCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-04-01 DroughtCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-03-01 DroughtCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-02-01 Cold/Wind ChillCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-02-01 DroughtCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-01-31 Cold/Wind ChillCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-01-27 Cold/Wind ChillCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –
2026-01-26 Cold/Wind ChillCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma 0 0 –

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database; every record of 2025-2026 is listed, earlier ones when they caused deaths, injuries or $250,000 of damage (2025 dollars), and every tornado.

The deadliest and costliest records

Records with deaths or injuries in Coahoma County, most deaths first
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
1963-04-29 TornadoCoahoma County F3 5.7 mi x 440 yd 5 10 $250K step
2015-12-23 TornadoAfrica, Coahoma County This tornado developed over Northern Bolivar County and moved into Coahoma County. It strengthened and produced EF-3 damage south and east of Clarksdale where the two fatalities occurred. Twelve homes and two businesses were destroyed. Two homes also suffered minor damage. Numerous trees were snapped or uprooted. The ... EF3 14.53 mi x 800 yd 2 19 $747K
2013-12-21 TornadoRena Lara, Coahoma County A tornado touched down in Rena Lara and tracked northeast. There was major damage to a mobile home where the fatality occurred. Two large garage sheds were completely destroyed. Two football light poles were bent and destroyed at the Cohoma County High School. There was roof and window damage to the elementary school ... EF2 10.07 mi x 300 yd 1 2 $1.3M
2014-04-04 Thunderstorm WindSherard, Coahoma County Straight line winds destroyed a mobile home off of Stribling Road near Farrell. The homeowner was injured when he was thrown from the mobile home. He later died from his injuries. 65 kt wind 1 0 $37K
2011-05-29 HeatCoahoma County · forecast zone Coahoma A three month old baby was left by accident in a vehicle during a hot May morning. The baby died as a result. 1 0 –
1959-06-11 TornadoCoahoma County F1 1 0 $25K step
1984-05-02 TornadoCoahoma County F1 7 mi x 100 yd 0 13 $2.5M step
1953-12-05 TornadoCoahoma County F2 8.2 mi x 30 yd 0 11 $25K step

A damage figure marked "step" is a record from before 1993: NOAA then filed damage by category, and the figure is the category as entered, in the dollars of that year, not an estimate of the loss.

The costliest records in Coahoma County since 1993, damage in 2025 dollars
DateRecordCharacterKilledInjuredDamage
1996-05-25 HailFriars Pt, Coahoma County 2.00 in hail 0 0 $5.6M
2009-07-30 TornadoHillhouse, Coahoma County EF2 2.19 mi x 600 yd 0 0 $2.8M
2013-12-21 TornadoRena Lara, Coahoma County EF2 10.07 mi x 300 yd 1 2 $1.3M
2016-03-10 FloodClarksdale, Coahoma County 0 0 $1.2M
2009-07-30 TornadoGreen Grove, Coahoma County EF2 4.24 mi x 600 yd 0 0 $1.0M
2011-05-01 FloodHillhouse, Coahoma County 0 0 $984K
2015-12-23 TornadoAfrica, Coahoma County EF3 14.53 mi x 800 yd 2 19 $747K
2023-06-25 Thunderstorm WindClarksdale, Coahoma County 65 kt wind 0 0 $484K

Before 1993 NOAA filed damage by category, not amount, so the list above starts in 1993. The highest category filed here before then (entered as $25M, in the dollars of the day) holds: May 12, 1978 (tornado, Coahoma County).

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database: deaths and injuries direct and indirect; damage is property plus crops as estimated by the National Weather Service, converted to 2025 dollars.

Is it getting more frequent?

Records per decade for Coahoma County's most frequent hazards. Counts rose everywhere after 1996, when NOAA began recording every event type, so compare decades within a hazard's complete period only (the shaded cells come before it).

Coahoma County: records per decade (the 2020s to June 30, 2026)
Hazard1950s1960s1970s1980s1990s2000s2010s2020-26
Heat––––014595
Severe thunderstorm wind211172114342314
Hail0365818183
Drought––––012117
Winter storms––––381111
Tornadoes44642450

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records per calendar decade; zone records from the CZ_TYPE field (Z).

What time of year?

77% of its heat records since 2007 fell in July and August. The two busiest months are in violet.

The values, month by month

Jan 25 · Feb 28 · Mar 33 · Apr 58 · May 66 · Jun 68 · Jul 82 · Aug 59 · Sep 10 · Oct 15 · Nov 13 · Dec 22 (records).

Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records by the month they began.

Federal disaster declarations for Coahoma County

FEMA's register lists 23 declarations that include Coahoma County: 17 major disasters, 6 emergencies and 0 fire management assistance declarations. Most were for severe storm (10) and hurricane (4).

Declarations including Coahoma County, newest first
DeclaredNumberTypeTitle
2026-02-06DR-4899Winter StormSevere Winter Storm
2026-01-24EM-3640Winter StormSevere Winter Storm
2021-10-22DR-4626HurricaneHurricane Ida
2021-08-28EM-3569HurricaneHurricane Ida
2020-04-16DR-4536Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding
2020-04-05DR-4528BiologicalCovid-19 Pandemic
2020-03-13EM-3474BiologicalCovid-19
2019-04-23DR-4429Severe StormSevere Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Tornadoes, and Flooding
2016-03-25DR-4268FloodSevere Storms and Flooding
2016-01-04DR-4248Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Flooding
2011-05-11DR-1983FloodFlooding
2011-05-04EM-3320FloodFlooding
2011-04-29DR-1972Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes, Straight-Line Winds, and Associated Flooding
2008-08-30EM-3291HurricaneHurricane Gustav
2005-08-29DR-1604HurricaneHurricane Katrina
2001-12-07DR-1398Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes and Flooding
2001-02-23DR-1360Severe StormSevere Storms and Tornadoes
1994-02-18DR-1009Severe StormSevere Winter Storm, Freeezing Rain and Sleet
1991-05-17DR-906Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding
1991-03-05DR-895FloodSevere Storms & Flooding
1990-02-28DR-859Severe StormSevere Storms, Tornadoes & Flooding
1978-04-24EM-3063TornadoTornadoes
1973-03-27DR-368Severe StormHeavy Rains, Tornadoes & Flooding

Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries (v2), declarations through October 2, 2026; one declaration is counted once however many areas it names. OpenFEMA dataset page.

How many floods has Coahoma County had?

NOAA's Storm Events Database holds 23 flood or flash flood records for Coahoma County from 1997 to 2021, on 23 days, with 0 deaths. By flood insurance claims since 1978 (OpenFEMA, as of September 8, 2026), Coahoma County ranks 694th of 2,942 U.S. counties.

The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $6.8 million on 333 claims filed in Coahoma County; the most in one year was 51 in 2016. Claims count insured losses only: uninsured flood damage is not in this file.

The values, year by year

1979: 22 · 1980: 4 · 1981: 4 · 1982: 11 · 1983: 19 · 1984: 10 · 1985: 2 · 1989: 10 · 1990: 8 · 1991: 39 · 1992: 19 · 1993: 1 · 1994: 6 · 1995: 6 · 1997: 12 · 1998: 1 · 2001: 11 · 2002: 10 · 2003: 5 · 2004: 1 · 2005: 3 · 2008: 7 · 2009: 2 · 2011: 45 · 2013: 1 · 2014: 3 · 2015: 3 · 2016: 51 · 2018: 6 · 2019: 5 · 2020: 2 · 2021: 2 · 2024: 2; the other years: 0.

Source: FEMA OpenFEMA NFIP Redacted Claims, as of September 8, 2026; claims by year of loss, payments in the dollars of the year paid. OpenFEMA dataset page.

FEMA's modeled risk for Coahoma County

FEMA's National Risk Index rates Coahoma County Relatively Low overall, with an expected annual loss of $15.0 million. These are FEMA's model estimates of future loss from 18 hazards, not a count of what happened; they can differ from the record above.

National Risk Index ratings for Coahoma County (December 2025 release), by FEMA's rating, then score
HazardRisk ratingExpected annual lossModeled frequency
EarthquakeRelatively Moderate$3.8Monce in about 210 years (modeled)
TornadoRelatively Moderate$3.7Monce in about 3 years (modeled)
DroughtRelatively Moderate$615K12 modeled event-days a year
Strong WindRelatively Moderate$758K1.6 a year (modeled)
Heat WaveRelatively Low$908K23 modeled event-days a year
HailRelatively Low$284K2.6 a year (modeled)
HurricaneRelatively Low$131Konce in about 33 years (modeled)
Cold WaveRelatively Low$598K1.2 a year (modeled)

Source: FEMA National Risk Index, county table, December 2025 release. FEMA's National Risk Index map.

Counties that share a border with Coahoma County

  1. Bolivar County 682
  2. Sunflower County 509
  3. Coahoma County 479
  4. Tallahatchie County 415
  5. Phillips County, AR 409
  6. Tunica County 384
  7. Quitman County 293

Source: U.S. Census Bureau county adjacency file; NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, records since 1950. The Census Bureau's adjacency file.

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