This year, the U.S. has had one of the most active tornado seasons in known history.
From January to June, there were about 1,250 tornadoes, putting the year-to-date 2024 preliminary tornado count in third place, behind 2011’s 1,398 tornadoes and 2008’s 1,303 tornadoes for the same period, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Most recently, Hurricane Beryl—which broke storm records as it ravaged through the Caribbean earlier this month—spawned a tornado outbreak in parts of the South and northeastern U.S. last week.
Tornadoes can occur throughout the year, but there are peak periods for different parts of the country. The peak tornado season for the southern Plains is from May into early June, while the northern Plains and upper Midwest have a peak season of June or July, according to the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory.
Here’s how to best prepare for tornadoes.
