Tornado watches and warnings have already been issued this year, as severe weather battered communities across the United States.
The National Weather Service in Springfield confirmed that a tornado with 80 mph winds briefly touched down near Iantha, Missouri, on March 6, marking what may be the first tornado in the state in 2026. No injuries were reported, but the tornado did cause significant damage to a barn, with roofing materials scattered more than a mile away.
Here’s what to know about Missouri’s tornado season.
When is tornado season in Missouri?
Peak tornado season in Missouri runs between April and June, according to NWS. However, heavy rain and temperature swings in March can produce severe thunderstorms that can form tornadoes.
On average, the state experiences just more than 30 tornadoes a year, with nearly half of them occurring in April and May, according to the Missouri Climate Center.
Severe weather in Missouri is expected to peak in March and May, according to AccuWeather.
Forecasters at Accuweather expect a similar pattern this year, with tornado season peaking between March and May. April could see severe weather concentrated along the Mississippi River and stretching into southwest Missouri.
What do most tornadoes in Missouri hit?
Southwest Missouri has historically experienced the most tornadoes, followed by southeastern Missouri, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
What are the deadliest Missouri tornadoes?
Missouri accounts for six of the 30 deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, according to the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency. These include:
Tornado safety tips to know
There isn’t much you can do to prevent property damage from a tornado, but there are several precautions you can take to help avoid injuries if a tornado touches down near you.
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If you can’t stay at home, make plans to go to a public shelter.
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Go to a safe shelter immediately, such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar or a small interior room on the lowest level of a sturdy building.
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Stay away from windows, doors and outside walls.
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Do not go under an overpass or bridge. You’re safer in a low, flat location.
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Watch out for flying debris that can cause injury or death.
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Use your arms to protect your head and neck.
This article originally appeared on USATNetwork: When is tornado season in Missouri? Here’s when most tornadoes hit.