Tornado Warning map: active tornado warnings now
There are no tornado warnings in effect right now. The most recent one in the NWS archive was issued on November 12, 2026 in Delaware.
A tornado has been seen or detected by radar, and the people inside the warning area should take shelter now.
Updated from the National Weather Service · lists refresh hourly; the live map loads current alerts directly from the NWS
Active tornado warnings
None right now. This page updates automatically when the National Weather Service issues a new tornado warning.
What is a tornado warning?
A tornado warning is the most urgent alert the National Weather Service issues for severe storms. It means a tornado is happening or is about to happen, either because a spotter or the public has seen one or because Doppler radar shows strong rotation that can produce one within minutes.
Warnings are drawn as a polygon around the threat and the path ahead of the storm, not for whole counties. They usually last 15 to 45 minutes and are reissued or extended if the storm keeps rotating. A warning can be tagged "radar indicated", "observed" or, in the rare worst cases, upgraded to a tornado emergency when a large, damaging tornado is confirmed near a populated area.
What to do
- Go to a basement or storm shelter right away. If you have none, use a small interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
- Protect your head and neck with your arms, a helmet, a mattress or heavy blankets.
- Leave mobile homes and vehicles for a sturdy building if you can reach one safely.
- Keep a phone or weather radio with you to know when the warning ends.
How often tornado warnings are issued
From 2016 through 2025 the National Weather Service issued an average of 2,601 tornado warnings per year across the country, and 2,871 so far in 2026. Each count is one alert event, which can cover one or many counties.
States with the most tornado warnings
Tornado Warnings by state
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Related alerts
Frequently asked questions
How long does a tornado warning last?
Most tornado warnings last 15 to 45 minutes. Forecasters can extend or reissue them as the storm moves, so check the expiration time in the alert.
Who issues tornado warnings?
The local National Weather Service forecast office that covers your county issues them, based on radar and storm spotter reports.
Should I wait to see the tornado before taking shelter?
No. Many tornadoes are hidden by rain or darkness. Shelter as soon as a warning includes your location.