Illinois Holds a Commanding Lead With 166 Tornado Reports in 2026 as National Total Climbs to 952 With Nearly a Month Still Left in the Season
New data shows Illinois has taken a firm and commanding lead in tornado reports across the entire country so far in 2026. As of June 19, the state has recorded 166 tornado reports, putting it well ahead of every other state in the nation as severe weather season continues to unfold.
The Top 6 States for Tornado Reports This Year
According to the latest year-to-date data, here is how the top six states stack up so far in 2026:
- Illinois: 166 tornado reports
- Mississippi: 83 tornado reports
- Missouri: 76 tornado reports
- Iowa: 63 tornado reports
- Kansas: 52 tornado reports
- Indiana: 51 tornado reports
Illinois currently sits at more than double the total of the second place state, Mississippi, making its lead this year especially significant.
A Staggering National Total
Across the entire country, the national total stands at 952 tornado reports so far in 2026. Of those, 32 are possible EF-2 or stronger tornadoes, indicating a meaningful number of this year’s tornadoes have produced significant and potentially destructive damage.
With nearly two more weeks left in June and the heart of summer severe weather season still ahead, this national total is expected to continue climbing.
Indiana’s Scott-Jefferson County Tornado Officially Rated
Among the season’s confirmed tornadoes, the Scott-Jefferson County tornado in Indiana has now been officially rated an EF-2. This rating places it among the stronger tornadoes confirmed so far this year and reflects significant structural damage capability, including the potential to remove roofs, overturn mobile homes, and snap or uproot large trees.
Additional updates and ratings for other recent tornadoes, including those from this past week’s outbreaks across Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, are likely to be released in the coming days as survey teams complete their assessments.
Why Illinois Has Seen Such an Active Year
Illinois’ position at the top of the national tornado list lines up with a pattern that has been building throughout the year. The state has experienced multiple significant outbreaks, including the recent Level 4 severe weather event that brought confirmed tornadoes, large hail, and destructive winds across central portions of the state earlier this month.
With the state already this far ahead of the national pack, and severe weather season historically peaking through late spring and into summer, Illinois residents should expect continued active weather through the coming weeks.
What This Data Means Going Forward
This year-to-date breakdown highlights just how active the 2026 severe weather season has been across the central United States, particularly in the Midwest and Mississippi Valley regions. With Sunday’s developing severe weather threat already drawing significant attention from forecasters, these numbers are likely to climb further before the month is out.
For residents in the highest reporting states, particularly Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Indiana, staying weather aware and prepared remains critical as the season continues.
Stay updated on the latest tornado activity and official ratings through the NOAA Storm Prediction Center.
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