Preparing for Tornado Season: What You Need to Know
The United States has experienced an unusually high number of tornadoes this year.
From January to June, there were approximately 1,250 tornadoes, placing 2024 in third place for the year-to-date preliminary tornado count, trailing only 2011’s 1,398 tornadoes and 2008’s 1,303 tornadoes for the same period, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall earlier this month, brought tornadoes to parts of the Southern and Eastern U.S. last week.
While tornadoes can occur year-round, there are peak periods for different regions. The southern Plains typically experience their peak tornado season from May into early June, while the northern Plains and upper Midwest have a peak season of June or July, according to the NOAA.
Stay alert and sign up for emergency warnings
Be aware of the signs of a tornado, which can include a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud, an approaching cloud of debris, or a loud roar similar to a freight train, according to the National Weather Service. Stay informed about weather reports. Consider signing up for your community’s warning system, and remember that the Emergency Alert System and NOAA Weather Radio also provide vital alerts.
It’s crucial to understand the different alert levels from the National Weather Service. A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in and near your area, requiring preparedness. A tornado warning indicates a tornado is nearby and poses a threat to life and property, demanding immediate action to find safe shelter. A tornado emergency signifies a violent tornado has reached your area, posing a severe threat to human life and property, necessitating immediate evacuation to the safest possible location.
Gather emergency supplies
Prepare a go-kit, including water, non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand crank radio, flashlight, first aid kit, extra batteries, and a cell phone with chargers and back-up batteries. Ready.gov recommends having at least three days of supplies for a go-kit. For a stay-at-home kit, aim for at least two weeks of supplies.
Have a plan and a place to shelter
Identify a safe place to shelter during a tornado, such as a safe room or a storm shelter. If those aren’t available, the next safest option is a small, interior room without windows or a basement on the lowest level of a sturdy building, according to Ready.gov.
The American Red Cross also recommends conducting tornado drills to practice moving quickly to a safe location in an emergency.
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