Unprecedented tornado surge grips USA, highest since 2011
By 20 May 2025, there had been 922 tornado reports in the USA, which is the highest number since 2011. This is as many as 281 more than the historical average.
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) reported that by 20 May 2025, 922 tornado reports had been registered in the United States. This is the highest number since 2011, exceeding the historical average of 641 reports.
According to AFP, four states stand out with particularly high numbers of tornado reports. Mississippi leads with 97 reports, followed by Illinois with 93, Missouri with 89, and Texas rounds off the top with 87 tornadoes.
Intense months
The largest series of tornadoes occurred in March and April. In the past week, another 161 cases were reported. From 14-16 March, there were 182 reports, 30-31 March – 56 reports, 2-3 April – 112 reports, 4-7 April – 56 reports, and 15-16 May – 77 reports.
Tornadoes devastating USA
In recent weeks, tornadoes have swept through the states of Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas, causing many deaths and enormous destruction. In Kentucky, 18 people died, and the city of London was particularly affected by the disaster. Governor Andy Beshear emphasised that the situation is dramatic and the death toll may rise.
Characteristics of tornadoes
Experts explain that a tornado is an intense, rotating column of air that extends from the ground to storm clouds. It can reach a diameter of several hundred yards and wind speeds exceeding 140 mph. A whirlwind is a broader term that includes various types of air vortices, including tornadoes and waterspouts.
Preliminary analyses indicate extremely high tornado activity in 2025, which may match the most intense seasons in history. Final data, based on field research, will be available more than a year after the season ends.
Meteorologists' warnings
Meanwhile, meteorologists from AccuWeather warn of further extreme weather phenomena. More than 60 million Americans may experience dangerous weather conditions, including tornadoes, flash floods, and hailstorms. Warnings cover the central and southern regions of the USA.
