Washington, D.C. – The United States saw near-record tornado activity in 2024, with 1,796 confirmed twisters, marking the second-most active year since record-keeping began in 1950, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC). The total falls just 21 tornadoes short of the 2004 record of 1,817.
SPC Director Russell Schneider described 2024 as a year marked by powerful spring storms, tornadoes accompanying hurricanes, and another near-record year for severe thunderstorm-related losses.
A Devastating Spring and Summer
The most intense period of activity occurred in late April through May, with over 1,000 tornadoes recorded by the end of May—second only to the infamous 2011 season. Spring outbreaks battered the Plains and Ohio Valley, causing widespread damage.
The summer remained active, with hurricanes fueling tornado outbreaks. Hurricane Beryl alone spawned 68 tornadoes, while additional systems—including Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton—pushed the year’s tropical cyclone-related tornado count to 185, ranking third all-time. Notably, six EF-3 tornadoes were recorded from tropical storms, surpassing the combined total of the previous 29 years.
Record-Breaking Tornado Totals in Key States
Three states saw record-setting tornado counts in 2024:
- Illinois – 142 (previous record: 125 in 2006)
- New York – 32 (previous record: 25 in 1992)
- Ohio – 74 (previous record: 61 in 1992)
Additional states also experienced historic highs:
- Iowa – 125 (previous record: 120 in 2004)
- Oklahoma – 152 (previous record: 148 in 2019)
- West Virginia – 20 (previous record: 14 in 1998)
Year Ends with Major Outbreak
The final severe weather event of 2024 struck on December 28, with nearly 100 tornadoes sweeping across the Southeast—the highest single-day count of the year.
Despite the near-record tornado activity, fatalities remained below the 20-year average. There were 54 tornado-related deaths in 2024, with more than half occurring in manufactured or mobile homes.
As the nation looks ahead, meteorologists warn that severe weather patterns may continue into 2025, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and early warnings for communities in tornado-prone regions.
