In many parts of the United States, severe storms are expected during the winter, and that was certainly true this year as Ember, Finn and Gerri brought severe weather to much of the U.S. mainland. However, it is not as common to see the level of severe storms that the U.S. has witnessed in the last few months.
From the Gulf Coast to the Midwest, across the Great Plains and even into states that are rarely hit by severe storms, there has been a never-ending onslaught of severe weather this year.
As the atmosphere transitions out of El Niño, there is a constant train of moist gulf air meeting up with cool air coming over the Rocky Mountains. For many states, hearing that severe weather is on its way is becoming a regular – even weekly or daily – occurrence.
As of May 22, we have already had more than 700 tornadoes, many as part of a winter or spring storm. To make matters worse, hurricane season begins June 1 and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts it is going to be an above-normal season.
This profile focuses on the most impactful and severe weather events across the U.S., especially those that affect marginalized and at-risk populations. While there is significant overlap, it will focus on the impacts that aren’t addressed in our 2024 U.S. Tornadoes profile and the upcoming 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season profile, which will cover storms and floods directly connected to a tropical system.
(Photo: Storm damage in Texas, May 18, 2024. Credit: Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones via X)
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