Oklahoma Sees Record Start to Tornado Season

The state has already recorded 25 tornadoes, shattering previous March records.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:52am

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Oklahoma has already set a new tornado record for the month of March, with 25 twisters confirmed so far. This is nearly half the average number of tornadoes the state sees in an entire year. Tragically, four lives have been lost, including a mother and daughter hit by a tornado while in their car. As rebuilding efforts begin, meteorologists warn that the severe weather season may continue to be active, with the peak months of April and May still ahead.

Why it matters

Oklahoma is no stranger to severe storms and tornadoes, but the record-breaking start to this year's tornado season raises concerns about the potential for an unusually active and dangerous severe weather period in the coming months. The high number of twisters so early in the year also underscores the importance for Oklahomans to have emergency weather plans in place.

The details

The National Weather Service has confirmed four additional tornadoes in Oklahoma this month, bringing the total for the year to 25. Of these, 18 have been classified as EF0 or EF1, 5 have been EF2, and one devastating tornado in Beggs was an EF3. Meteorologists say the amount of rainfall going forward will be a key factor in determining how many more twisters the state sees, as Oklahoma is currently in a drought but transitioning out of a La Nina pattern.

  • As of March 13th, Oklahoma has already recorded 25 tornadoes.
  • The previous March record was 17 tornadoes.
  • The yearly average number of tornadoes in Oklahoma is 59.

The players

Aaron Brackett

KFOR Meteorologist who provided weather analysis and forecasting for this story.

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What they’re saying

“We're not even technically in the spring yet, and we've seen almost half the amount of tornadoes we see an entire year in Oklahoma.”

— Aaron Brackett, Meteorologist (KFOR)

“The most active month is May. That's followed closely by April and the beginning of June. So, we haven't even started what is typically the peak of severe weather season. My advice to give is to be weather aware, make that plan with your family now and know what to do when it rolls around again.”

— Aaron Brackett, Meteorologist (KFOR)

What’s next

Meteorologists warn that the severe weather season may continue to be active, with the peak months of April and May still ahead. Oklahomans are advised to review their emergency weather plans and stay vigilant as the state heads into the most dangerous time of year for tornadoes.

The takeaway

This record-breaking start to Oklahoma's tornado season underscores the unpredictable and potentially devastating nature of severe weather in the state. As the peak months approach, it is crucial for residents to heed weather warnings, have emergency plans in place, and remain prepared for the possibility of more twisters in the coming weeks and months.