AccuWeather meteorologists report that preliminary tornado reports in the U.S. have reached levels nearly double the historical average for this time of year, following recent severe weather outbreaks.
The number of reported tornadoes has exceeded 470 so far in 2025, significantly higher than the historical average of approximately 260 for the same period.
AccuWeather Senior Director of Forecasting Operations Dan DePodwin described the situation: “This has been an extremely dangerous and destructive stretch of spring severe weather. Tornadoes have damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses across the central and southeastern U.S. Catastrophic flash flooding has left communities underwater and caused major disruptions to business, commerce and shipping operations. The frequency and severity of extreme weather in America this year has been alarming. There is no doubt that weather disasters are taking a major toll on people’s overall lives, their finances, physical health and mental health.”
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The current tornado activity is approaching record levels. The only years in the 16-year record with higher tornado reports by this time of year are 2023 (530 reports) and 2017 (536 reports).
Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Alabama, and Indiana have experienced the highest number of tornadoes this year. AccuWeather experts attribute this to a series of severe weather and tornado outbreaks, particularly in the Midwest.
AccuWeather’s long-range forecasts, issued in early March, correctly predicted that the Southeast and Mississippi Valley, east of the traditional Tornado Alley, would experience the brunt of tornado and severe weather activity this year. The AccuWeather 2025 U.S. Severe Weather Forecast projects 1,300 to 1,450 tornadoes nationwide this year, slightly above the historical average of 1,225.
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Recent Severe Weather Events:
The surge in tornado reports is linked to three significant outbreaks in the past month:
- March 14-16 Outbreak: This event saw 191 areas of tornado damage reported and 115 tornadoes confirmed in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. It included three powerful EF4 tornadoes and 12 EF3 tornadoes.
- March 30-31 Outbreak: This outbreak resulted in 53 preliminary tornado reports and 71 confirmed tornadoes. These tornadoes were generally shorter-lived and weaker than those in the earlier March outbreak.
- April 2-3 Outbreak: This storm system produced 84 tornado reports, with 56 tornadoes confirmed so far, including three EF3 tornadoes. The final count is expected to increase as storm surveys are completed.
AccuWeather meteorologists also noted that tornado activity has been persistent outside of major outbreaks, with at least one tornado reported in the U.S. every day from March 26 to April 7. This 12-day streak, while typical for May (the peak of tornado season), is unusual for March and early April.
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Economic Impact:
AccuWeather’s preliminary estimates indicate substantial economic losses due to major flooding and severe weather, including tornadoes, in April. The total damage and economic loss are estimated to range from $80 billion to $90 billion.
AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok explained that a combination of factors, including a corridor of storms in the Plains and strong high pressure in the Southeast drawing moisture from the Gulf, created conditions favorable for severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks.
While the immediate severe weather threat is expected to decrease in the coming days, Pastelok warned of the possibility of another outbreak around Easter weekend, April 19-20.
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