The tornado season in 2025 has already set records in terms of intensity and frequency. The National Weather Service (NWS) in Paducah, Kentucky, has confirmed that 59 tornadoes have touched down in its 58-county forecast area, matching the 2024 total.
This makes it the second-highest tornado count on record, trailing only the devastating 79 tornadoes recorded in 2011. In this article, we’ll dive into the tornado activity across the region, how Missouri has seen the highest number of tornadoes, and the increasing severity of these storms.
Record-Breaking Tornado Season
The tornado season of 2025 has already become one for the books. With 59 tornadoes reported so far, the region is quickly approaching the highest-ever tornado count. The NWS confirmed that the tornadoes this year have already covered 567 miles, surpassing the previous record of 449.8 miles set in 2011. This has made the 2025 tornado season one of the most active and destructive in recent memory.
Missouri Tops the Tornado Count
Among the states affected, Missouri has experienced the highest number of tornadoes. So far, 24 tornadoes have been reported across the state, making it the hardest-hit area in the region. Following Missouri, Illinois has seen 16 tornadoes, Kentucky 12, and Indiana 9. Two tornadoes have crossed multiple state lines, highlighting the broad path of these storms.
Unusually Strong Tornadoes
What makes this tornado season even more alarming is the strength of the storms. Nine tornadoes in 2025 have been rated as EF-3 or higher, making it the highest number of high-intensity twisters in a single year since 1957.
To put this into perspective, between 2014 and 2023, only four EF-3 or stronger tornadoes were recorded in the region. The strength and frequency of tornadoes this year suggest that severe weather events are becoming more intense.
The breakdown of tornado strengths for 2025 includes 5 EF-0 tornadoes (the weakest), 28 EF-1 tornadoes, 17 EF-2 tornadoes, 7 EF-3 tornadoes, and 2 EF-4 tornadoes. The EF-3 and EF-4 tornadoes are especially concerning as they are capable of causing significant damage to structures and infrastructure.
Tornadoes Track Across Multiple States
Many of this year’s tornadoes have tracked through southern Missouri, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois. These areas have experienced repeated severe weather events, leading to frequent weather alerts and warnings from local authorities. As tornado season continues into the summer, residents in these regions are urged to stay vigilant and prepared for additional storms.
Stay Alert and Prepared
As the peak of tornado season continues, officials are reminding everyone to stay alert and take safety precautions. The NWS Paducah office continues to monitor weather patterns and will issue warnings as necessary. It’s important for residents to have emergency plans in place, stay informed through weather apps or local news, and take shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
The 2025 tornado season in the region has been a record-breaking one, with 59 tornadoes already reported. Missouri has seen the highest number of these twisters, with 24 reported tornadoes so far.
This year has also been marked by the occurrence of unusually strong tornadoes, including a higher-than-usual number of EF-3 and EF-4 storms. As tornado season continues into the summer, residents are encouraged to stay prepared and monitor weather alerts closely to stay safe.
