Ohio is the new tornado capital (so far in 2024), tornado alley slowly sliding eastward.
As we move further into 2024, the United States has experienced a significant number of tornadoes. With 171 confirmed tornadoes nationwide, it’s crucial to stay informed and prepared. Here’s the latest data on tornado occurrences:
- Ohio has emerged as the state with the highest tornado count this year, recording 42 tornadoes so far. This includes the twisters from the April 17 storms, surpassing the preliminary count of 35 tornadoes reported earlier.
- Florida follows closely with 34 tornadoes, demonstrating an active season for the state.
- Illinois has experienced 30 tornadoes, indicating a busy year for the region.
The Miami Valley, in particular, has seen its share of severe weather, including the devastating March EF-3 tornado in Logan County, which tragically resulted in three fatalities and multiple injuries.
While Ohio’s tornado season typically peaks from April to June, it’s important to remember that tornadoes can occur at any time. The recent events underscore the unpredictability of tornadoes and the importance of staying vigilant.
Florida: A Hotspot for Tornadoes so far in 2024 and #1 in Lightning Strikes in 2023
In 2024, Florida has been a focal point of severe weather activity, ranking #2 in the nation for tornado occurrences with 34 confirmed tornadoes. This high frequency of tornadoes is a testament to the state’s dynamic weather patterns and underscores the importance of preparedness for residents and visitors alike.
But Florida’s weather story doesn’t end with tornadoes. The state is also known as the lightning capital of the United States. Florida’s unique geographical location, surrounded by warm waters, creates the perfect conditions for thunderstorms, which often produce lightning. In fact, the National Weather Service reports that more people die from lightning strikes in Florida each year than in any other state.
For those in tornado-prone areas, ensure you have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and keep an eye on local forecasts. Your safety is paramount, and being prepared can make all the difference.
Tornado damage is not the only thing to worry about with severe weather. Let’s take a look at some of the worst hail damage of the year so far.