Map Reveals US' Surprising 2026 Tornado Hotspots: How Each State Compares
Summary
In 2026, Illinois has become the top state for tornadoes in the U.S., with record-breaking numbers far above normal. Tornado activity has shifted away from traditional "Tornado Alley" states like Texas and Oklahoma toward the Midwest and parts of the Mississippi Valley.Key Facts
- Illinois reported 221 tornadoes through July 31, about four times its usual number by that date.
- Texas had only 58 tornado reports, well below its average of over 100.
- Indiana ranked second with 89 tornado reports and set a new state record with 79 confirmed tornadoes.
- Other high-tornado states include Mississippi, Missouri, and Iowa.
- Oklahoma experienced its strongest tornado of the year, an EF4 with 180 mph winds in Enid.
- Illinois had five EF3 tornadoes, with the strongest causing damage near Kankakee and Roselawn, Indiana.
- Weather patterns and drought in the western U.S. have shifted storms northward, reducing tornado activity in southern Plains states.
- Tornado and severe weather counts are preliminary and may change after further surveys.
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