More than 800 tornadoes have been reported so far this year. (Credit: Dan Ross/Adobe Stock)
Severe weather across the central United States late last week and over the weekend caused an estimated $9 billion to $11 billion in damage and economic loss, according to estimates from AccuWeather.
At least 70 tornadoes were reported between Friday and Sunday. An EF3 tornado in the St. Louis metro area brought winds of more than 150 miles per hour and damaged or destroyed more than 4,500 homes, businesses and other structures. Another EF3 tornado hit Kentucky, where 20 weather-related deaths have been reported so far.
AccuWeather meteorologists say it could take many of the affected communities five to 10 years to rebuild and recover.
“This is the second major multi-day severe weather outbreak to devastate the central U.S. this spring,” said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist, in a statement. “The damage is catastrophic in some communities and the loss of life is tragic.”
More severe weather is on the way for the central and eastern United States through the middle of the week. Severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, flooding and damaging winds are possible for several states, including those impacted by the last round of severe weather.
“This has been an extremely stormy and dangerous stretch of weather for the central United States, and the danger isn’t over yet,” Porter said. “Buildings that were damaged and left compromised by recent tornadoes and severe wind gusts could be damaged yet again as this next round of storms moves through the region.”
AccuWeather meteorologists say 2025 could be the worst year for tornadoes in the U.S. in over a decade. With 820 reports of tornadoes so far this year, the United States is already tracking well above the historical average for this time of year.
AccuWeather estimates, so far this year, severe weather has caused about $353 billion to $393 billion in damage and economic loss. In all of 2024, severe weather caused an estimated $479 billion to $532 billion in damage and economic loss.
“Extreme weather is impacting more people in more places,” Porter said. “The costs of repairs, rebuilding and insurance coverage are rising. There is no doubt that extreme weather is a growing threat to the safety and financial stability of families and businesses across America.”
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