2024 Saw Second Most Tornadoes on Record in the US

New analysis indicates there were 1796 confirmed tornadoes in 2024, the second highest on record, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.

The busy tornado season was driven by an active April and May in the Plains (notably quiet for much of the last decade), 185 tropical cyclone tornadoes, and a busy late December.

There were 6 EF3 tropical cyclone tornadoes from four different storms, the SPC noted.

In the 29 years of the tropical cyclone tornado database (1995-2023), there had only been 5 total EF3 tornadoes.

Six states set new tornado records: Illinois, Iowa, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma and West Virginia. Several hail records were also broken, the SPC reported.

May had the most significant (over 2 inches) hail reports on record, with 470. In addition, March saw the largest hailstone (6 inches in Ada, Oklahoma on March 14) recorded, and a new May largest hailstone (6.12 inches in Johnson City, Texas on May 9) was also recorded.

Last year had the most significant (75+ mph) wind reports on record (1790 through October).

Despite the above-normal tornado season, direct tornado-related fatalities (54) were below the 20-year average of 78 fatalities, according to the weather service analysis.

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