If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that severe weather in the United States is not slowing down. From relentless spring tornado outbreaks to hurricanes spawning dozens of twisters, last year was one of the most intense and active severe weather years on record. And now, as we find ourselves in the heart of 2025, the question looms: Will this year top it?
Only time will tell.
🌀 A Year of Turbulence: 1,796 Tornadoes and Counting
In 2024, the U.S. experienced 1,796 confirmed tornadoes, making it the second most active tornado year since modern record-keeping began in 1950. That puts it just behind the infamous 2004 season, which recorded 1,817 tornadoes.
“This wasn’t just a big year for numbers—it was a year of impact,” said Dr. Russell Schneider, director of NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC). “From spring supercells to hurricane-fueled twisters, 2024 left its mark.”
Colorado, while not among the states breaking tornado records last year, was far from quiet. Plains communities experienced multiple rounds of severe weather, and storm spotters across the state reported several photogenic but dangerous twisters and supercell storms throughout the spring and summer.
🌪️ Spring Surges Into Action
After a relatively normal March and early April, the sky came alive in late April and May. By May 31st, 1,032 tornadoes had touched down across the U.S.—the second-most tornadoes ever recorded from January through May (only 2011 had more with 1,237).
For Coloradans, May is typically peak tornado season, and 2024 brought no shortage of wall clouds, rotating thunderstorms, and sirens sounding across the eastern plains. Luckily, the state escaped the brunt of the year’s deadliest storms—but just barely.
🌀 Tropical Tornadoes Break Records
Hurricane season added even more fuel to the fire. In 2024, 185 tornadoes were spawned by tropical systems, making it the third highest tropical tornado year on record. Among those:
- Hurricane Beryl: 68 tornadoes
- Hurricane Debby: Several more in August
- Hurricane Helene: September outbreaks
- Hurricane Milton: The most intense, with three EF-3 tornadoes
Historically, EF-3 tornadoes tied to hurricanes are rare. But 2024 saw six such tornadoes, more than the previous 29 years combined.
🌩️ December Went Out with a Bang
Just when it seemed like things might quiet down, December 28, 2024, delivered one of the most intense late-year tornado outbreaks ever recorded. Nearly 100 tornadoes tore through the Southeast in a single day, closing out an already extreme year.
📈 Six States Break Tornado Records
While Colorado didn’t break its tornado record in 2024, other states did—big time:
- Illinois: 142 tornadoes (previous record: 125)
- Iowa: 125 (previous: 120)
- Oklahoma: 152 (previous: 148)
- Ohio: 74 (previous: 61)
- New York: 32 (previous: 25)
- West Virginia: 20 (previous: 14)
These new records reflect the widespread nature of severe weather last year—from the Great Plains to the Appalachians and even into the Northeast.
🧠 Staying Smart: Fatalities Stay Below Average
Despite the chaos, tornado-related fatalities remained near normal, with 54 lives lost across 17 states—well below the 20-year average of 78. However, 33 of those fatalities occurred in mobile or manufactured homes, highlighting the need for better storm shelter access in vulnerable communities.
📍 How Does 2024 Compare to the Worst?
Top 5 Tornado Years in U.S. History (Since 1950):
- 2004 – 1,817 tornadoes
- 2024 – 1,796 tornadoes
- 2011 – 1,691 tornadoes
- 2008 – 1,689 tornadoes
- 2019 – 1,517 tornadoes
🔭 Will 2025 Top It?
That’s the big question. So far, 2025 has already seen an active start, with several severe weather outbreaks affecting the southern and central Plains—including some noteworthy storms in Colorado. Some preliminary reports have stated over 1,000 tornadoes have occurred in the US so far and we are still in the middle of summer. But whether it will surpass 2024 remains to be seen.
As we move through the heart of storm season in Colorado, now is the time to prepare:
- Know your safe place.
- Have multiple ways to receive warnings.
- Never ignore a watch or warning.
- And remember: when thunder roars, go indoors.
2024 was a year to remember. Will 2025 be even more extreme?
Colorado will be watching the skies—and so will we.