Categories: Tornado Maps

Map: May Tornadoes in the United States

The map above shows county-level impacts of U.S. tornadoes from 1950-2011. In this analysis, if one tornado crosses multiple counties, we have included it as an individual tornado for each county hit.

Moving through May, we see a significant amount of activity centered on the southern and central Plains, with the classic Tornado Alley entering into the beginning of its peak yearly period for tornadoes as the Southeast U.S. moves past peak. Almost every state in the contiguous 48 states has seen a May tornado, and tornadoes are most numerous in the record during this month.

Weld County, Colorado led the way during the period with 58 tornado impacts in May. A sampling of other counties that also fall into the highest tornado count for the month includes: Caddo County, Oklahoma with 55; Barton County, Kansas with 46; Finney County, Kansas with 46; Hale County, Texas with 43; and Oklahoma County, Oklahoma with 43.

View interactive map » (pops up in sized window — works best in Firefox)
Map: April Tornadoes in the United States

Map can be viewed larger by selecting. Data obtained through the Storm Prediction Center. Get updates on U.S. Tornadoes on Twitter and Facebook.

The following two tabs change content below.

Katie Wheatley

Katie currently works as a GIS Analyst for EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc., PBC in Hunt Valley, Maryland. See full bio.
Katie Wheatley

Katie currently works as a GIS Analyst for EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc., PBC in Hunt Valley, Maryland. See full bio.

View Comments

Share
Published by
Katie Wheatley

Recent Posts

Girls Who Chase: Empowering Female Storm Chasers

In a field historically dominated by men, Jen Walton has emerged as a transformative figure…

3 months ago

The Storm Doctor: Dr. Jason Persoff

Jason Persoff, MD, SFHM, is recognized globally for his expertise in storm chasing. He earned…

9 months ago

Top tornado videos of 2023

Tornado numbers were near or above average. A chase season peak in June provided numerous…

10 months ago

March 31, 2023 tornado outbreak videos

One of the more widespread tornado outbreaks in years, from Iowa and Illinois to Arkansas.

2 years ago

Spring 2023 seasonal tornado outlook

The active start of the year could be a sign, but a mid-March pattern change…

2 years ago

Top tornado videos of 2022

A near average year for tornadoes across the country, with a cool season bend. We've…

2 years ago