US tornado count surpasses yearly average, Texas close behind

"The United States has already surpassed the average yearly tornado count, with 1,282 tornadoes recorded in just the first half of 2024."

As of June, the US has recorded 1,282 tornadoes this year, surpassing the 10-year average of 1,194. Texas recorded 124, just shy of its 137 annual average.

The Lone Star state has been hard hit, with several outbreaks:

"In April, 14 tornadoes touched down in 24 hours, causing no casualties. The same outbreak formed deadly twisters in Oklahoma and Iowa."

Over Memorial Day, another outbreak claimed 7 lives in Valley View.

Tornado Alley Shift

Tornadoes form when dry winds from the Rockies meet moist Gulf winds – the "right ingredients".

Historically, "Tornado Alley" was the epicenter, but the dryline has shifted 200 miles eastward, increasing activity in the Midwest and Southeast, including the deadly "Dixie Alley".

Check out this interactive map, showing cyclone paths since 1950: Interactive Map

The top tornado-prone states are:

1. Texas
2. Kansas
3. Oklahoma
4. Illinois
5. Alabama
6. Mississippi/Iowa
7. Florida
8. Nebraska
9. Missouri

With half the year left, 2024 is already an exceptional tornado year. Stay informed, and stay safe.