2025 tornado surge shatters records, fears of more to come

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) reported that by May 20, 2025, the USA had registered 922 tornado reports, marking the highest count since 2011 and significantly surpassing the historical average of 641 reports.

According to AFP, four states have reported particularly high numbers of tornadoes. Mississippi leads with 97 reports, followed by Illinois with 93, Missouri with 89, and Texas with 87 tornadoes.

The largest series of tornadoes occurred in March and April. In the past week alone, another 161 cases were reported. From March 14-16, there were 182 reports; March 30-31 saw 56; April 2-3 had 112; April 4-7 recorded 56; and May 15-16 reported 77.

In recent weeks, tornadoes have swept through Kentucky, Missouri, Virginia, Oklahoma, and Texas, causing numerous deaths and significant destruction. In Kentucky, 18 people died, particularly affecting the city of London. Governor Andy Beshear emphasized the dire situation, stating that the death toll might rise.

Experts explain that a tornado is an intense, rotating column of air extending from the ground to storm clouds. It can reach a diameter of several hundred yards with wind speeds exceeding 311 mph. A whirlwind is a broader term that encompasses various types of air vortices, including tornadoes and waterspouts.

Preliminary analyses indicate extremely high tornado activity in 2025, potentially matching the most intense seasons in history. Final data, based on field research, will be available more than a year after the season concludes.

Meanwhile, meteorologists from AccuWeather warn of further extreme weather phenomena. More than 60 million Americans may experience dangerous weather conditions, including tornadoes, flash floods, and hailstorms. Warnings cover the central and southern regions of the USA.