Lincoln, IL – Illinois leads the nation in reported tornadoes so far in 2026, with a significant margin over other states as severe weather activity continues across the central and southern United States.
According to the National Weather Service Central Illinois office, preliminary data as of 2:30 p.m. CDT on Monday, May 11, 2026, shows Illinois with 109 confirmed tornado reports. That total places the state well ahead of second-place Mississippi, which has recorded 76 tornadoes.
The data, compiled using the Damage Assessment Toolkit, is considered preliminary and subject to change as additional analysis is completed.
Rounding out the top five states are Oklahoma with 39 tornadoes, Missouri with 38, and Louisiana with 29. Texas follows closely with 28, while Wisconsin and Alabama are tied with 27 each. Iowa has recorded 26 tornadoes, and Kansas completes the top 10 with 22.
The concentration of tornado activity across the Midwest and Southeast highlights an active severe weather season, with multiple storm systems impacting large portions of the country in recent weeks.
Meteorologists note that peak tornado season typically runs through late spring into early summer, particularly across the Plains and Midwest, increasing the likelihood of additional severe weather outbreaks in the coming weeks.
Residents in tornado-prone areas are urged to stay weather-aware, monitor forecasts, and have emergency plans in place as conditions evolve.
