State tornado season records third highest ever

The Illinois tornado season of 2023 has marked its place in history with significant climatic activity.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the state witnessed a total of 120 tornado occurrences this past year, tying with 2003 for the second-highest number of tornadoes in a single year. Notably, 2006 holds the record with 124 tornadoes.

This year also set a record for the number of tornadoes in Jan., March, and July, with an unprecedented 37 tornadoes on March 31 alone, making it the most active day for tornadoes in the state. July 12 and July 28 saw localized tornado outbreaks with 13 tornadoes each, setting the record for the most tornadoes on a single day in July for the NWS Chicago forecast area.

The NWS Chicago’s annual report indicates that 2023 now holds the record for the most tornadoes in the NWS Chicago Forecast Area, with 58 recorded tornadoes. This number significantly surpasses the previous record of 30 in 2015 and the 10-year annual average of roughly 16.

For more details and safety information, residents can visit the National Weather Service’s official website.