24- Hour Tornado Tracker
Informational only. This page does not provide forecasts, alerts, or emergency instructions.
Overview
The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker provides a rolling view of recent tornado reports, including events from the last 24 hours as well as newly published or updated official reports released within that timeframe.
Tornado reporting timelines can vary due to damage surveys, overnight confirmations, and reporting delays. This tracker reflects how tornado reports are published in practice and is designed to ensure that recently confirmed activity is not missed.
This system does not predict storms, issue warnings, or provide outlooks.
Live Tornado Reports
(Recent Activity)
For real-time storm context, including active watches and warnings, view Storm Mode.
What This Tracker Shows
This tracker displays:
- Tornado reports from the most recent 24-hour period
- Newly published or updated official tornado reports
- General location information (city, county, state)
- Report status (reported or survey confirmed, when available)
- EF ratings when officially assigned
- Summary counts of affected areas
All information displayed originates from official NOAA and National Weather Service reporting systems, including feeds used by the Storm Prediction Center.
Preliminary vs. Confirmed Reports
Tornado information is often reported in stages:
- Reported events are early reports submitted through official government reporting channels
- Survey confirmed events are verified after post-storm damage assessments
EF ratings and exact details are typically assigned after surveys are completed and may not be immediately available. Counts and details on this page may change as reports are reviewed and finalized.
Reporting Window Methodology
The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker uses a hybrid reporting window.
A tornado report may appear on this tracker if either of the following conditions is met:
- The reported tornado event occurred within the last 24 hours, or
- The official report was newly published or updated within the last 24 hours
This approach accounts for normal reporting delays while maintaining a clear, time-bounded display. Reports automatically roll off the tracker as they age beyond the display window.
Why a 24-Hour Window Is Used
A 24-hour reporting window provides recent, time-bounded context without combining current activity with older historical events.
Because tornado reports are sometimes published or updated after initial events occur, recently released official reports may appear even if the event itself occurred earlier.
This approach aligns with how tornado data is summarized by meteorological agencies and referenced by news organizations.
What This Tracker Does Not Do
The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker does not:
- Predict tornado development
- Provide future outlooks
- Issue emergency alerts
- Replace NOAA Weather Radio or local warning systems
- Interpret storm intensity beyond official classifications
- Guarantee immediate inclusion of all tornado activity
For life-safety decisions, always rely on official alerts from the National Weather Service and local emergency management authorities.
Relationship to Preparedness
Understanding recent tornado activity can help place current conditions into perspective. Long-term preparedness decisions should also consider Tornado History, local building practices, and access to appropriate shelter options.
