Tornadoes can happen any time of year, but the spring is where they reach their peak.
Tornadoes can touch down in the U.S. at any time during the year, but long-term weather records show that May is historically the most active month for this extreme weather threat.
In fact, between 1991 and 2020, an average of 1,333 tornadoes were recorded across the country each year. And of those, 54% occurred between April and June.
This graphic shows the average number of tornadoes by month between 1991-2020.
(FOX Weather)
May has historically averaged 294 tornadoes, with April and June each averaging 212 twisters in a typical year.
FILE VIDEO – FOX Weather exclusive Storm Tracker Brandon Copic captured video of a monstrous tornado on the ground near Lake City, Arkansas.
Weather doesn’t always follow averages, however, and different weather patterns that set up every spring can cause the number of confirmed tornadoes to fluctuate.
HERE’S WHERE TORNADOES ARE MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR EACH MONTH
This graphic shows the historic tornado probability in May.
(FOX Weather)
During May, tornadoes are possible across most of the country, from the Plains to the Gulf Coast, as well as in the Southeast, the Mississippi, Kentucky and Ohio River valleys, and along the East Coast in the mid-Atlantic, Northeast and New England.
However, historical records show tornadoes are more likely to form during severe weather in the Plains and Midwest.
WHERE ARE TORNADOES MOST COMMON?
How to prepare for a tornado
During severe weather you’ll likely hear the terms Tornado Watch, Tornado Warning, and even Tornado Emergency. But what do these terms mean and how should you react to them?
Preparing for a tornado ahead of time can help you stay safe if one touches down and tears through your community.
Before thunderstorms and tornadoes strike, it’s important to charge up your mobile device and download the free FOX Weather app onto your phone. The FOX Weather app can send you important weather alerts if a tornado is bearing down on your location.
HOW YOU SHOULD PREPARE FOR A TORNADO
FILE VIDEO – Severe weather tore across portions of Central Florida in March, and a tornado hit the FOX 35 Orlando studio while it was live on the air.
Make sure you know the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning to help keep you safe.
If a Tornado Watch is issued, you should have a plan of action in place in case you need to seek shelter at a moment’s notice.
If a Tornado Warning is issued, a tornado is imminent or happening now. You should seek shelter immediately in an interior room without windows on the lowest level of your home or building.