Tornado season is ramping up: Track severe weather with charts and maps
Spring can bring flip-flopping weather patterns that range from bursts of warmth to winter's lingering chill. Together they create the key ingredients for severe weather, including deadly tornadoes.
The months of March, April, May and June are regarded as tornado season, according to the National Weather Service. Tornadoes are often spawned during thunderstorms in the central and eastern U.S. when cold Canadian air mixes with warm, humid Gulf air.
Over the past weekend, a tornado outbreak struck Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, killing at least 28 people, according to AccuWeather.
2025 preliminary tornado reports
As of May 19, 724 tornadoes had been spotted nationwide, according preliminary reports from the Storm Prediction Center. While that's 300 less than were reported last year between January and May, the 724 are on par with the elevated numbers since 2022.
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Where the tornadoes hit this year
During a two-day outbreak in March, the National Weather service issued more than 300 storm warnings. Three tornadoes were confirmed as EF4 strength, according to AccuWeather. Three EF3 tornadoes also were surveyed in Alabama, Arkansas and Missouri.
The most recent EF4 tornado to strike the United States before March's outbreak was a twister that struck Greenfield, Iowa, on May 21, 2024, according to AccuWeather.
Be prepared for severe weather
Throughout the severe weather season, the National Weather Services encourages people to be prepared. Among the agency's suggestions: Go over safety plans with family members and co-workers, and make sure storm shelters and safe rooms are stocked with supplies such as flashlights, bottled water, snacks and a first-aid kit.
CONTRIBUTING Anthony Robeldo
SOURCE NOAA, Storm Prediction Center, AccuWeather.com and Paste BN research
This story was updated to add new information.