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Hurricanes helped fuel the highest number of tornado reports in 13 years in the US
Nov. 8, 2024
> More than 1,750 preliminary tornado reports have been filed in 45 states so far this year
> The risk of a significant number of additional tornadoes during the second severe weather season is quickly winding down
> It is extremely unlikely that 2024 will outpace 2011’s staggering 2,250 preliminary tornado reports
AccuWeather Global Weather Center – Nov. 8, 2024
Dozens of tornadoes spawned by hurricanes, the second severe weather season and severe weather outbreaks in the spring have led to tornado reports skyrocketing in the United States this year.
AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok says more than 1,750 preliminary tornado reports have been filed so far this year, which is roughly 400 more reports compared to the historical average for year to date through early November.
“It’s been a big year for tornadoes in America,” said Pastelok. “We’ve seen tornado threats throughout the year. It’s been exceptionally active.”
More than 3,400 tornado warnings have been issued so far this year in the U.S.
Florida, Oklahoma, Ohio and New York have issued more tornado warnings this year than in any year since 2002.
The only states in the lower 48 where tornadoes have not been reported this year are Nevada, Vermont and Maine.
It has been the most active year for tornadoes in 13 years, but AccuWeather expert meteorologists say it is unlikely that 2024 will surpass the blockbuster year of 2011. A staggering 2,250 preliminary tornado reports were filed in 2011.
Tornado Alley roared to life
The spring tornado season started slower compared to recent years, but tornado outbreaks in the month of May quickly pushed preliminary tornado reports for 2024 well above the historical average.
The highest concentration of tornado reports occurred in the “classic” Tornado Alley region for the second year in a row.
Texas has the country's largest tornado count this year, with 150 preliminary reports. Texas often holds the top spot due to its geographical size and location in a tornado-prone region.
Nebraska and Iowa are tied for second highest number of preliminary tornado reports with 131.
AccuWeather long-range experts accurately forecast back in March that Tornado Alley would “roar to life.”
Hurricanes spun up dozens of destructive tornadoes
AccuWeather expert meteorologists say Hurricane Beryl, Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton produced 178 twisters.
“Tropical storms and hurricanes can spin up destructive tornadoes. We saw that happen this year with Hurricane Milton in Florida,” said Pastelok. “Hurricane Beryl produced dozens of tornadoes from Texas all the way to upstate New York. This busy hurricane season really boosted the tornado numbers this year.”
Two hurricane seasons since 1995 have produced more hurricane-spawned tornadoes.
Records show that 317 tornadoes linked to tropical systems were reported in 2004 when four hurricanes hit Florida.
The most named storms on record in the Atlantic basin formed in 2005, including infamous hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Records show that 237 hurricane-spawned tornadoes were reported in 2005.
Three states with surprising tornado statistics
Florida ranked in the top five for tornado reports this year following the historic tornado outbreak during Hurricane Milton, which produced more than twice the daily record of tornadoes in state history.
New York experienced an unusually active year for tornadoes, with 32 reports, compared to 10 tornadoes last year.
Pastelok considers Ohio to be the most interesting state this year, with 81 tornado reports, following severe weather outbreaks on Feb. 27, March 13, April 2 and May 7.
“Ohio really sticks out to me this year. They shattered their record for tornado reports way back in June,” said Pastelok. “It’s been a very active year for tornadoes in the Ohio Valley.”
Looking back to 2023
The tornado report map from 2023 looks considerably different from this year’s map, with less than 1,300 tornado reports.
Illinois led the nation in 2023 with 118 tornado reports, followed by Colorado with 88 tornado reports and Texas with 78 tornado reports.
The only states in the lower 48 where tornadoes were not reported last year were Utah, West Virginia and Maine.
Are more tornadoes possible in 2024?
Following dozens of destructive tornadoes in Oklahoma in the past week, AccuWeather expert meteorologists say the second severe weather seasonis not over yet.
Pastelok says severe weather is possible over the next two weeks, but the window for conducive conditions for tornadoes is quickly coming to a close.
“We still have one or two more potential rounds of severe weather on the horizon that could spin up tornadoes, but the angle of the storm track will be coming in from a bit farther north. We’re losing the connection of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico,” Pastelok explained. “We may not see as many tornadoes in the next few weeks, but severe thunderstorms could still produce hail and damaging wind gusts.”
While December tornadoes are rare, and certainly widespread outbreaks are rare, a few tornadoes are certainly not out of the question.
AccuWeather Forecast Graphics
Additional AccuWeather Resources:
Hurricanes played big role in worst tornado season since 2011
Fall fury: The 2nd severe weather, tornado season in the US
‘Tornado alley’ has been expanding over the past 50 years, new study finds
