The Florida Panhandle could have more than
hurricanes to worry about this year. In its
spring 2025 forecast , AccuWeather predicts there will be
1,300 to 1,450 tornadoes across the United States, slightly above the historical average of 1,225 tornadoes. While Florida is expected to fare better than the rest of the country, the Florida Panhandle and North Florida have the highest risk of tornadoes this spring. On Feb. 12, the National Weather Service in Mobile confirmed that an
EF-1 tornado with peak winds of 95 mph touched down in the Pensacola area . The tornado moved northeast across an industrial complex, causing significant damage to some metal roofs. Metal side paneling and doors were also blown out on a few buildings. Three minor injuries were reported in the area. The tornado quickly weakened as it moved north of Copter Road and lifted near Addison Drive, with only some small tree debris noted. The Pensacola area had another scare earlier this week after a series of severe thunderstorms brought strong winds and favorable conditions to produce more tornadoes.
North Florida, Panhandle have the highest risk for tornadoes this spring
It's a little-known fact that Florida has a higher frequency of tornadoes than any other state in the southeastern U.S., according to the Florida Climate Center. The state even has a
higher frequency of tornadoes per 10,000 square miles than any other state, including Oklahoma. The good news for much of Florida is that dry weather will create fewer opportunities for tornadoes to spawn through the state. The bad news is that moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, now referred to as the Gulf of America by the U.S. government, moving northward into an ambiguous region commonly referred to as "Tornado Alley" means the Florida Panhandle and North Florida have the highest risk of tornadoes this year, according to AccuWeather. "Florida this year will be fighting drier weather this spring. North Florida and the Panhandle will have the highest risk for severe weather and tornadoes," said Alexander Duffus, AccuWeather meteorologist and long-range severe weather expert, in a telephone interview. "There will be times some moisture will move into the Panhandle and across Florida, but for this season, we expect a high-pressure system overall to prevail," bringing calmer and drier weather to the state. "A few fronts can reach the Southeast (of the U.S.) but overall this spring, expect below-averages for precipitation and nearly to slightly higher historical averages for temperatures," Duffus said.
How did Florida tornado numbers in 2024 compare to the rest of the US?
Is there a tornado season in Florida?
While tornadoes can form in all seasons, many of Florida's tornadoes occur in the
spring and summer months, according to the University of Florida Emergency Management.
Interactive map: Florida tornadoes from 1950 to 2024
What causes Florida tornadoes?
What to do before a tornado
Tornadoes typically given very little warning before striking, so preparation is crucial. During a tornado watch you should identify a safe room in your home and make sure everyone in your family knows where to go. A safe room can be an interior room or hallway. Generally, you want to make sure the room or space is somewhere in the center of your home and that it doesn't have an exterior wall. If you have an emergency plan, now is a good time to get it out and make sure everyone has access to it.
What to do during a tornado
If you're in an area under a tornado warning, you should immediately head to your pre-designated safe space. You should stay inside the safe room until it is safe to leave. If you're outside and you're not able to reach shelter, you should lie flat in a low-lying area like a ditch. Protect your head and neck with your arms from flying debris. If you live in a mobile home, you should attempt to seek shelter in a nearby sturdy building, as mobile homes aren't safe during tornadoes.
