The year 2024 will be remembered as one of the most tornado-active years in U.S. history. With 1,796 confirmed tornadoes across the country, this year ranks as the second-highest for tornado activity since official records began in 1950. Only 2004 saw more, with 1,817 tornadoes.
A Year Marked by Relentless Severe Weather
Tornadoes are not uncommon in the U.S., but 2024 stood out for the frequency and intensity of its storms. Spring delivered a concentrated burst of severe weather, with outbreaks spanning late April through May. By the end of May alone, 1,032 tornadoes had already touched down — the second-most ever recorded for the first five months of any year, trailing only the infamous 2011 season.
As the year continued, extreme weather didn’t let up. A major outbreak on December 28 brought nearly 100 tornadoes in a single day, capping off 2024 with a dramatic finale.
Tornadoes Fueled by Hurricanes
A key factor in 2024’s severe weather was an exceptionally active tropical cyclone season. Tornadoes spun off from several hurricanes, most notably Beryl, Debby, Helene, and Milton. In total, 185 tornadoes were linked to tropical systems — the third-highest tropical tornado count on record.
While most of these tornadoes were rated EF-0 or EF-1, six were EF-3. This is a remarkable statistic considering that only five EF-3 tropical cyclone tornadoes were recorded in the entire 29-year period from 1995 to 2023. Hurricane Milton alone accounted for three of the six EF-3 storms in 2024.
Record-Breaking Tornado Counts in Six States
The extraordinary activity in 2024 resulted in new annual tornado records for six states:
- Illinois: 142 tornadoes (previous record: 125 in 2006)
- Iowa: 125 tornadoes (previous record: 120 in 2004)
- New York: 32 tornadoes (previous record: 25 in 1992)
- Ohio: 74 tornadoes (previous record: 61 in 1992)
- Oklahoma: 152 tornadoes (previous record: 148 in 2019)
- West Virginia: 20 tornadoes (previous record: 14 in 1998)
Lives Lost, but Fatalities Remain Below Average
Despite the alarming number of tornadoes, the nation experienced 54 direct tornado-related fatalities in 2024 — well below the 20-year average of 78 deaths. However, a sobering detail emerged: more than half of these deaths occurred in manufactured or mobile homes, underscoring the importance of proper shelter and preparedness.
Looking Back — And Ahead
The 2024 tornado season offered a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictability and power. From spring supercells to hurricanes fueling late-summer storms, it was a year that tested the nation’s resilience. The data from NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center will be critical in helping meteorologists, emergency managers, and policymakers prepare for the future — a future where proactive planning and public awareness remain more vital than ever.
For more insights, you can explore the full 2024 SPC Year-In-Review via NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.