Tornado activity in unexpected spots

2024 has been anything but quiet when it comes to severe weather, especially tornadoes, overall. A few places stand out as having above-average tornado activity compared to others.

The main areas that stand out with above-average tornado activity this year include the mid-Mississippi Valley, the lower Ohio Valley, and the Florida Panhandle. Typically, we see spots like the central and southern Plains, as well as the Deep South, having more activity by now, but they are in below-average territory.

The Deep South is one of the regions where we usually see more activity earlier in the year – late winter to early spring – due to the dramatic temperature swings and moisture availability earlier here.

However, above-average temperatures and storm systems riding further north may have activated more of the tornado activity across the mid-Mississippi and Ohio valleys for the first months of this year.

At the beginning of the year, the Florida Panhandle was hit with a severe weather outbreak where 14 tornadoes swept through within a two-day period, accounting for most of their totals so far.

Compare that information to the annual average of tornado watches, which are most commonly issued in the Deep South.

We’ll see the chance for the Plains to catch up later this week as a multi-day severe weather outbreak is expected. Starting Thursday, those from the Front Range to the Mississippi Valley need to be on alert for severe storm activity, including tornadoes, damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall.

Have all your alerts switched on and also have at least three ways to receive a weather warning. Do not depend on the tornado sirens to alert you properly.