Tornadoes are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena, capable of changing landscapes and lives in seconds. The 2024 tornado season has been no exception, leaving a mark on individuals, communities, and emergency planners.  

 How has 2024 compared to other years? What trends are emerging, and how can we better protect ourselves in the future?  

We’ll explore what tornado season is, key trends from the 2024 season, significant events, and actionable lessons learned so you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of this year’s tornado activity and be empowered with preparation tips for the future.

What is Tornado Season?

Tornado season refers to the time of year when tornadoes are most likely to occur, driven by specific atmospheric conditions. While tornadoes can happen any time of year, they are most common from March through June in the United States.  

This period is shaped by the collision of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cooler, drier air from the north, creating the instability needed for tornado formation. 

Tornadoes are disruptive, deadly, and often strike with little warning. Exploring the patterns and impacts of tornado season helps save lives and informs recovery efforts and advances in forecasting.

When is Tornado Season?

The timing of tornado season varies by region:

  • Tornado Alley (e.g., Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas): Tornado season in this region peaks between April and June.
  • Dixie Alley (e.g., Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana): This region experiences one peak in spring and often another in late fall or early winter. 
  • Northern Plains and Midwest (e.g., Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois): Tornado activity tends to shift to these regions as summer approaches due to the northward movement of warm, moist air colliding with cooler, drier air from Canada.

Unlike other weather patterns with clear seasonal boundaries, tornado season has shown increasing unpredictability due to changes in climate patterns, including the influence of phenomena like La Niña and El Niño.

Why Tornadoes Happen

Tornadoes form under very specific conditions. They are produced by supercell thunderstorms, which have strong rotating updrafts called mesocyclones.  

Factors like atmospheric instability, wind shear, and moisture levels all contribute to tornado formation. Climate patterns such as El Niño or La Niña can influence these conditions, altering tornado frequency and severity year to year.

An Overview of Tornado Season 2024

The 2024 tornado season has been one of extremes, marked by unusual patterns, devastating events, and historic shifts in regional activity.  

Meteorologists have tracked these developments closely to understand what the data tells us about future trends and the growing importance of preparedness.

Comparing 2024 to Previous Years

2024 stood out for the unusual geographic distribution of tornadoes, with some regions, like the Midwest, experiencing heightened activity. Meanwhile, activity in traditionally high-risk areas like central Texas saw a decline.

2024 Tornado Season Statistics

  • Total Recorded Tornadoes: As of October 2024, the U.S. had a preliminary count of 1,717 tornadoes, placing 2024 among the highest totals ever for the January-to-October period. 
  • Economic Impact: Damage estimates surpassed $12 billion, reflecting the destruction of homes, businesses, and infrastructure. 
  • Unusual Trends: There was higher activity in late summer and an increased frequency of tornadoes forming outside Tornado Alley, a loosely defined area in the central plains region of the U.S. 

Notable Tornado Events from 2024 and Their Impact

The tornado season of 2024 was marked by several significant outbreaks that tested the preparedness of communities across the United States. This section takes a closer look at some of the most impactful tornado events of 2024, offering insight into their severity and the lessons learned.

Severe Tornado Outbreak in the Midwest and Great Plains (April 25 to 28, 2024)

tornado forming in Kansas during tornado season 2024

A major tornado outbreak from April 25 to 28, 2024, affected the Midwest and Great Plains, causing extensive damage and claiming several lives. This multi-day event produced more than 100 tornadoes across Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Missouri, with winds reaching up to 200 mph in some areas.  

Among the hardest-hit regions was Salina, Kansas, where an EF-4 tornado left behind severe damage. More than 70 homes were destroyed, and over 100 people were injured. 

The National Weather Service recorded some of the most intense tornadoes in recent years, with several EF-3 and EF-4 storms in the mix. This event was especially remarkable for the number of long-tracked tornadoes, some of which traveled over 50 miles, causing widespread damage across multiple states.  

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the outbreak was the largest in terms of both duration and the number of tornadoes in recent history. 

EF-4 Tornado in Iowa (May 21, 2024)

Iowa tornado in open land during tornado season 2024

On May 21, 2024, central Iowa experienced one of the most devastating tornadoes of the season. An EF-4 tornado struck Adams and Adair Counties, with wind speeds ranging between 175 and 185 mph. The storm cut a wide swath through rural areas, leveling homes, schools, and businesses in its path. 

In the town of Greenfield, entire neighborhoods were flattened, and the tornado left a trail of destruction that stretched for over 20 miles. Over 50,000 residents lost power, and the extensive damage to critical infrastructure significantly delayed recovery efforts.  

The tornado was part of a larger weather system that also brought heavy rain and flooding to the area, complicating rescue operations. The city of Greenfield was left without electricity for several days, and officials worked around the clock to restore power and clean up debris.

Memorial Day Weekend Tornado Outbreak Across the South and Midwest (May 25 to 26, 2024)

Debris in Arkansas after a tornado during tornado season 2024

The Memorial Day weekend tornado outbreak, spanning May 25–26, 2024, brought destruction to several Southern and Midwestern states, including Texas, Arkansas, and Illinois. Over the course of just two days, 25 tornadoes touched down, with some reaching EF-3 intensity.  

One of the most impactful storms hit the town of McKinney, Texas, where an EF-3 tornado caused significant damage to homes and businesses. As the outbreak moved northward, states like Arkansas and Kentucky also experienced severe storms.  

The tornadoes caused widespread power outages, destroyed agricultural fields, and left thousands without homes. In total, the Memorial Day outbreak resulted in at least 22 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest tornado events of the year. The heavy rainfall and strong winds accompanying the tornadoes also caused flooding in some areas, making rescue efforts difficult.  

The combination of high wind speeds, hail, and flash flooding created a perfect storm of challenges for emergency responders and communities alike.

A Surge in Late-Season Tornadoes (October 2024)

By the time October 2024 arrived, the U.S. had already seen a record number of tornadoes. 

The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) reported that by the end of October, there had been 1,717 tornadoes, setting a record for the highest number of tornadoes in the January-to-October period.  

This surge of late-season tornadoes, which included several significant EF-2 and EF-3 storms, prompted concerns about changing weather patterns and the possibility of a longer and more unpredictable tornado season. 

In Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, multiple strong tornadoes hit during the final months of the season. The October tornado surge marked a notable shift in the typical tornado season, suggesting that future tornado outbreaks may not be confined to the spring and early summer months.

Several notable trends and insights emerged from the 2024 tornado season:

Rising Tornado Frequency and Intensity

While not definitive, evidence suggests that climate change may contribute to more frequent and intense tornado activity. Warming temperatures and changes in atmospheric moisture have increased instability, creating more favorable conditions for tornadoes.

Expanded Risk Zones

2024 witnessed significant tornado clusters forming in areas beyond the traditional boundaries of Tornado Alley, highlighting a notable shift in severe weather patterns.  

Regions not historically associated with high tornado risk, such as parts of the Southeast and Midwest, experienced an unexpected surge in tornado activity.

Advances in Prediction and Warning Systems

Significant advances in Doppler radar technology, coupled with AI-driven predictive models, allowed meteorologists to issue warnings with greater accuracy and lead time.  

Communities prepared with storm shelters and emergency plans benefited from these improvements, saving lives and mitigating injuries.

Lessons for Future Tornado Seasons

The 2024 tornado season reinforced the importance of preparation and education. Local governments, emergency agencies, and homeowners must focus on creating robust sheltering plans, improving infrastructure, and spreading awareness about tornado safety. 

For individuals and communities, preparation starts before tornado season arrives.

How to Prepare for Tornado Season

  • Create an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, and first aid supplies. 
  • Plan Ahead: Designate a safe area in your home for sheltering during a tornado, such as a basement or interior room. 
  • Stay Alert: Use weather radios or mobile apps to receive real-time tornado warnings. 

Safety During a Tornado

Understanding what to do when a tornado approaches can be lifesaving. Here are a few high-level tips for what to do if a tornado is heading your way:

  • Find a Sturdy Place: Seek shelter immediately in a sturdy, enclosed area. 
  • Protect Yourself: Avoid windows and exterior walls. Use mattresses or heavy blankets for added protection. 
  • Understand the Situation: Do not attempt to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Instead, find the nearest shelter.

Resources for Tornado Safety

Helpful tools and organizations include:

Frequently Asked Questions About Tornado Season

When is tornado season?

Tornado season generally peaks from March to June, though regional variations and climate factors may extend this timeframe.

How can I stay informed during tornado season?

Subscribe to weather alerts through trusted sources like NOAA and download weather apps for real-time updates.

What should I include in a tornado emergency kit?

Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, batteries, a first-aid kit, important documents, and a weather radio.

How can I prepare my home for a tornado?

Secure outdoor objects, reinforce windows and doors, and identify a safe interior room or storm shelter to take cover.

What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A watch means conditions are favorable for tornadoes to form, while a warning means a tornado has been spotted or detected on radar.

How fast can tornado winds get?

Tornado winds can range from 65 mph in weaker tornadoes to over 200 mph in the most severe ones.

Can tornadoes happen at night?

Yes, tornadoes can occur at any time of day, though they are often more dangerous at night when they are harder to see.

What is the safest place to be during a tornado?

The safest place is a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows and doors.

How long do tornadoes typically last?

Most tornadoes last only a few minutes, but some can persist for over an hour and travel long distances.

Are cities less likely to be hit by tornadoes?

Tornadoes can and do hit cities, but since urban areas cover less land overall, the odds of a direct hit are lower compared to rural areas.

What is Tornado Alley?

Tornado Alley refers to a region in the central United States, including states like Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, where tornadoes are most common.

Can tornadoes form over water?

Yes, tornadoes that form over water are called waterspouts, and they can occasionally move onto land and cause damage.

What scale is used to measure a tornado?

The Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale is the scale used to rate tornadoes based on damage. EF0 is the weakest, with winds around 65-85 mph, while EF5 is the strongest, with winds exceeding 200 mph.

How do meteorologists predict tornadoes?

Meteorologists use radar, weather models, and atmospheric data to identify conditions that could lead to tornado formation.

Are there any warning signs of an approaching tornado?

Dark skies, large hail, a loud roar like a freight train, or a visible funnel cloud are common warning signs of a tornado.

When is tornado season in Oklahoma?

Tornado season in Oklahoma typically runs from April to June, with May being the peak month. This is due to the combination of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cooler, dry air from the Rockies which creates the ideal conditions for severe storms.  

During this time, residents are advised to stay vigilant, as Oklahoma experiences some of the most frequent and intense tornado activity in the country. Understanding weather patterns and staying prepared with emergency plans and supplies can make a significant difference in ensuring safety throughout the season.

When is tornado season in Texas?

Tornado season in Texas typically runs from March to June, with May being the peak month for tornado activity. During this time, the atmospheric conditions are ideal for tornado formation, with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico colliding with cooler, drier air from the north.  

However, due to the large size of Texas and its proximity to Tornado Alley, tornadoes can occur at any time of the year, especially in regions where these weather systems frequently interact. This makes Texas one of the most tornado-prone states, with residents needing to stay prepared year-round for sudden, severe weather events.

Looking Ahead to Next Tornado Season

The unpredictability of the 2024 tornado season reminds us to remain vigilant, adaptable, and prepared.  

While advancements in forecasting, storm tracking, and public awareness will continue to improve, it is ultimately up to communities, governments, and individuals to take action to protect lives and property. 

As we head into the 2025 season, there’s no doubt that tornadoes will continue to pose a significant threat, but with the right measures in place, we can work to mitigate their impact and save more lives.