KFGO file photo
AccuWeather long-range experts say the 2026 severe weather season is shaping up to be significantly different from last year’s exceptionally active spring that saw hundreds more tornadoes compared to the average.
While tornado activity is expected to trend lower this year compared to 2025, the risk will shift toward more frequent and heavier downpours, flooding, and damaging straight-line wind events.
The Severe Weather Forecast predicts an increased risk of severe weather episodes across the eastern Plains into the mid-Mississippi River Valley and western Ohio Valley in March and April. Cooler and more stable air may limit severe storms farther north early in the season before conditions get more favorable in late April and May.
“Flash floods and damaging winds can be just as destructive as tornadoes and can often impact a much larger area,” said Meteorologist Alex Duffus.
“Flash flooding is a big concern this year.”
NAFB news service
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