After A Historically Uneventful Tornado Season Last Year, Watch Out For More Storm Activity In Missouri In 2021

Most of us look forward to the longer, warmer, and sunnier days of spring, especially after a cold and snowy winter in Missouri. However, spring also means the arrival of tornados, something for which we always have to be prepared. Last year was relatively quiet, but the 2021 tornado season in Missouri is predicted to be a bit rougher than that of 2020.

Missouri’s certainly no stranger to tornados, averaging around 45 twisters each year. Mid-April through June is usually the most active period for tornados, although they can strike in any month.

Last year, however, Missouri was well-below average, totaling just 21 tornados the entire year. Fortunately, no direct or indirect fatalities or injuries resulted from the tornados, according to Springfield News Leader.

The relatively quiet tornado season in 2020 came after a year that saw 81 tornados that caused three deaths and nearly 40 direct and indirect injuries.

If the pattern of the last few years continues – Missouri had 50 tornados in 2018 and 91 in 2017 – 2021 should be a stormier season than last year.

The United States as a whole, in fact, should brace for an extremely active year, with scientists predicting up to 1,500 tornados across the country. (The average is around 1,000 a year.)

While how many tornados may strike Missouri in 2021 is anyone’s guess, your best bet is to be prepared.

Experts recommend that all Missourians take part in the Annual Tornado Drill, set for March 2, 2021 at 10 a.m. CST. The drills are designed to ensure that all Missourians are prepared when the sirens go off for real.

Find out if you’re ready for the next tornado and how you can participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week, set for March 1-5, 2021.

Are you prepared for tornado season in Missouri? What do you do to get ready? Let us know in the comments! Then take a few minutes to read about the Joplin Tornado of 2011.