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Severe Weather Forecast: 1,250 Tornadoes Expected in 2026

2/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

AccuWeather forecasts an active severe weather season in the United States for 2026, with 1,050 to 1,250 tornadoes expected, down from 1,544 in 2025.
The risk of damaging winds and heavy rainfall rises, especially in the eastern Plains, mid-Mississippi Valley, and western Ohio Valley during March and April.
Meteorologist Alex Duffus of AccuWeather warns that even with fewer tornadoes, storms can cause devastating impacts if they strike populated areas.

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Story summary

AccuWeather forecasts an active severe weather season in the United States for 2026, with 1,050 to 1,250 tornadoes expected, down from 1,544 in 2025.
The risk of damaging winds and heavy rainfall rises, especially in the eastern Plains, mid-Mississippi Valley, and western Ohio Valley during March and April.
Meteorologist Alex Duffus of AccuWeather warns that even with fewer tornadoes, storms can cause devastating impacts if they strike populated areas.