Wadley-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Alabama state average. It is 73% greater than the overall U.S. average. On 5/1/1953, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 16.2 miles away from the Wadley town center killed 7 people and injured 12 people and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

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