A new round of storms in the first week of April added to the damage from late March. April 7 marked 13 consecutive days that saw millions of people in the U.S. facing severe weather risks. In the most recent round of storm outbreaks, at least 20 people died after more than a foot of rain fell in some areas where the ground was already saturated, leading to high levels of flooding. This New York Times interactive article highlights the damage across the country.
CDP knows from experience that tornadoes do not receive as much funding as other natural hazards. Additionally, the recent storms’ large geographic spread, impact on rural communities and media focus on other breaking news issues mean media coverage will be diffused and diluted, especially at the national level. Funders must invest in disaster recovery in the many impacted communities.
Key facts
- NOAA says, “Historically, for every 100 preliminary tornado reports, at least 65 tornadoes are confirmed.” CDP often uses preliminary NWS or NOAA/NCEI data because final numbers take significant time.
- In the U.S., between January 1 and April 7, 2025, there were 461 reported tornadoes, including 59 that were EF-2 or higher.
- The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) confirmed 25 tornado-related deaths as of March 15, although higher numbers have been reported for recent events. This total includes 10 deaths in Missouri, seven in Mississippi, three each in Alabama and Arkansas, and two in Tennessee. Of these deaths, 16 occurred in manufactured housing, highlighting the risk this type of housing brings.
(Photo: Tornado damage in Cave City, Arkansas, March 2025. Credit: Marc Madama via Matthew 25: Ministries)
- In 2024, there were at least 1,473 confirmed tornado reports, according to data from SPC, with 100 or more tornadoes reported in April, May, June, July and December. This is well above the 20-year U.S. average (from 1991 to 2010) of 1,225. It is the second-highest year on record, behind 2004’s 1,817 tornadoes.
- The United States has not experienced an EF-5 twister since the Moore Tornado in 2013. While most tornadoes (90%) are rated EF-0 or EF-1, they can still cause severe damage to mobile homes and manufactured housing.
- Since 1880, the percentage of fatalities during daytime tornadoes has decreased by 20%, while the percentage of deaths during nighttime tornadoes has increased by the same amount. Nighttime tornadoes kill twice as many people as daytime tornadoes annually.
Latest Updates
What we’re watching: Weekly disaster update, April 7
March 31-April 6: Storms and Flooding – Central and Southern U.S.
As predicted, a new round of storms in the first week of April added to the damage from late March. The new storms increased the number of communities in need across the Midwest and southern U.S. and complicated recovery for affected communities.
At least 20 people are dead after more than a foot of rain fell in some areas where the ground was already saturated, leading to high levels of flooding.
Little Rock, Arkansas, received 12 inches (300 mm) of rain between April 2 and April 6, nearly double a typical April. Benton, Kentucky, received 15.6 inches (396mm) in the same period. Mayfield, Kentucky, which was devastated by a tornado in December 2021, saw 13.40 inches (340.4 mm) of rain from April 2-5, leading to extensive flooding. More than 200 river gauges are expected to reach moderate or major flood stage this week, but rivers are not expected to crest until April 8 or 9. Since all water must flow south, there remain risks for communities downstream.
Between March 29 and April 6, at least 550 tornado warnings were issued, including five confirmed EF-3 tornadoes, which caused destruction in many states. In the same time period, the National Weather Service issued more than 300 flash flood warnings. Several days in April were rated as a level 4 risk, with April 2 receiving a level 5 scale-topping high-risk rating. April 2 is one of only 67 days to receive a level 5 rating since 2000 (or 1% of all days). The number of days with a level 4 rating was unusual and is typically seen during hurricane season.
An EF-3 tornado, with winds of 160 mph, devastated Selmer, Tennessee, leading to at least five deaths, 14 hospitalizations and 332 impacted structures, including 108 that were destroyed. Many of the impacted structures were mobile homes that were torn away from their concrete slabs. Nearly two years prior, another tornado ripped through McNairy County, leaving nine dead.
An EF-3 traveled through Slayden, Mississippi, on April 2 with winds of 150 mph before moving into Grand Junction, Tennessee. Another EF-3 twister hit Senatobia, Mississippi, with winds at 160-165 miles per hour. This was the strongest wind speed seen in the Mid-South in the recent storms. At least 80 homes in North Mississippi were damaged, and six people were injured.
An EF-3 twister also hit Lake City, Arkansas on April 2, with winds of 150 mph. While no fatalities were reported, the damage was extensive there and in nearby Monette. At least a dozen homes were destroyed, and many were damaged. This tornado was one of at least six that hit the state, and 25 counties reported damages. As of the morning of April 7, 23,650 customers remained without power in Arkansas.
At least 12 tornadoes touched down in Indiana on April 2.
March 29-30: Ice Storm – Canada and U.S.
A massive ice storm coated the Great Lakes, southern Canada and New England with freezing rain on March 29-30.
Nearly 51,000 customers in Central and Southern Ontario remained without power on April 7. The cities of Orillia and Peterborough declared states of emergency. At the height of the freezing rain, more than 850,000 customers lost power in the province of Ontario. The storm knocked down hundreds of trees and hydroelectric poles, which couldn’t cope with the weight of the ice.
The winter ice storm also affected New England, Quebec and the Great Lakes region on both sides of the border. As of April 7, Michigan still had more than 44,000 customers without power. Restoration will likely take several weeks for some customers. At least six people were killed.
March 26-28: Rain/Flooding – South Texas and Reynosa, Mexico
Unprecedented and record-breaking rain from March 26 to March 28 led to extensive flooding, hundreds of water rescues and four deaths in the Rio Grande Valley along the Texas-Mexico border.
The equivalent of six months of rain fell in many places but was even higher in others. Harlingen, Texas, for example, received 21 of its average 24-inch annual rainfall. Seven to 12 inches fell on March 27 near Reynosa, Mexico, killing one person and leading to 700 water rescues.
March 13-17: Storms and Wildfires – U.S.
More than 100 tornadoes were reported on March 14 and March 15, 2025.
The weather system that caused the severe weather and wildfires began as an atmospheric river in Southern California. On March 13, heavy rain triggered several mudslides in California, which trapped people and cars and engulfed a roadway.
As the system moved east, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas all experienced wildfires linked to hurricane-force winds beginning on March 14. These winds also led to deadly dust storms as visibility decreased on roads and interstates.
In Oklahoma, more than 130 wildfires spread quickly, and Governor Stitt said they burned 200,000 acres in less than two days, causing damage to hundreds of structures. The Office of Emergency Management said the fires damaged at least 400 homes in the state (including Stitt’s farmhouse). In Stillwater, 74 homes were destroyed. Stitt declared an emergency in 12 counties because of the fires and weather system.
In Mississippi, 21 counties experienced severe weather events on March 14 and 15, leading to six fatalities, three missing people and 29 injuries. Governor Reeves issued a state of emergency declaration.
Arkansas experienced two nighttime EF-4 tornadoes on March 14. The Diaz tornado was just shy of an EF-5, with winds of 190 mph, while the Larkin tornado had winds of 170 mph.
Tornado facts
- In 2024, there were at least 1,473 confirmed tornado reports, according to data from SPC, with 100 or more tornadoes reported in April, May, June, July and December. This is well above the 20-year U.S. average (from 1991 to 2010) of 1,225. It is the second-highest year on record, behind 2004’s 1,817 tornadoes.
- The United States has not experienced an EF-5 twister since the Moore Tornado in 2013. While most tornadoes (90%) are rated EF-0 or EF-1, they can still cause severe damage to mobile homes and manufactured housing.
- Since 1880, the percentage of fatalities during daytime tornadoes has decreased by 20%, while the percentage of deaths during nighttime tornadoes has increased by the same amount. Nighttime tornadoes kill twice as many people as daytime tornadoes annually.
While there are many immediate needs in the wake of tornadoes, such as temporary housing, child care, automobile replacement, etc., funders should also consider holding back funds in anticipation of the intermediate and long-term needs of the affected communities. CDP will continue to monitor the impact of tornadoes and the needs that may arise.
Immediate needs
Immediate needs include tarping, cleaning and temporary repair of damaged homes and businesses. This includes debris clean-up, which is significant because of the amount of damage and tree felling. Vehicles, personal belongings, appliances and furniture lost in the storms will also need to be replaced.
Rural communities
As tornado alley shifts and storms move closer toward the southeast, more urban areas will be affected. However, many tornadoes also impact rural communities, which will not garner the same attention as urban areas.
Recovery in rural communities can be slower than urban recovery and requires “patient dollars.” Funders must understand that progress will not occur as quickly as in larger, more well-resourced communities. Investments should be made over time: pledges of multi-year funding are very helpful, as is support for operating costs and capacity building.
Funders would, however, be wise to remember that while many rural communities do not have access to the same level of financial assistance as some urban areas, the social fabric and human capital available in more rural communities can be a powerful force multiplier.
Housing
People whose homes were damaged will need support securing new housing that is safe and affordable and/or repairing their damaged homes. After a tornado, displaced residents may face challenges finding housing that meets their needs. Tornadoes affect people from all walks of life, some with insurance and others without.
The destruction of manufactured homes (often called mobile homes) will also affect affordable housing availability in communities. More than 22 million people in the U.S. live in mobile and manufactured homes, which represents an important affordable and accessible housing option for many communities.
Emotional and spiritual care
Emotional and spiritual care will be critical, especially for families of people killed in the storms, first responders and those in the tornadoes’ direct paths. Long-term mental health and trauma support will also be required. Some of the affected communities were impacted by previous events, which has left them with increased trauma from natural hazards.
There is also a severe risk of poor emotional health, suicide or self-harming behaviors among farmers and ranchers after disasters.
Business recovery
Business recovery is always critical to helping communities rebuild. When tornadoes damage or destroy businesses, it negatively impacts people’s livelihoods. Given the higher cost of living and ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, this is particularly challenging for small businesses.
To support tornado recovery efforts, please donate to CDP’s Disaster Recovery Fund and select “US Tornadoes” from the dropdown.
Contact CDP
Philanthropic contributions
If you have questions about donating to the CDP Disaster Recovery Fund, need help with your disaster-giving strategy, or want to share how you’re responding to this disasters, please contact our development team.
(Photo: Tornado damage in Missouri, March 15, 2025. Credit: Missouri State Highway Patrol via X)
Recovery updates
If you are a responding NGO or a donor, please send updates on how you are working on recovery from this disaster to Tanya Gulliver-Garcia.
We welcome the republication of our content. Please credit the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
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Resources
Tornadoes
The National Weather Service defines tornadoes as “a violently rotating column of air touching the ground, usually attached to the base of a thunderstorm.” The U.S. is home to more tornadoes than any other country in the world, with approximately 900 to 1,700 tornadoes occurring a year throughout the country.
Rural Populations
Rural populations often struggle with disaster response and recovery. Explore why.
Long-Term Recovery Groups
A long-term recovery group is a cooperative body that is made up of representatives from faith-based, nonprofit, government, business and other organizations working within a community to assist individuals and families as they recover from disaster.