The 2025 tornado season served as a powerful reminder of how quickly severe weather can develop and why staying informed matters. Across the country, communities experienced fast-moving storms, rapidly changing conditions, and critical moments where early warnings made all the difference.
That's where a NOAA Weather Radio proves its value. Designed to deliver 24/7 alerts directly from the National Weather Service, a NOAA Weather Radio helps ensure you receive life-saving weather warnings the moment they're issued. As we recap the tornadoes of 2025, one thing is absolutely clear: having reliable access to emergency and weather alerts isn't just helpful. It's essential for staying prepared when severe weather strikes.
A Look at 2025 Tornadoes in Numbers
According to the National Weather Service, there were 1,325 tornadoes that touched down in the United States.
Here's a breakdown of the number of tornadoes broken down by month in 2025:
January: 20
February: 43
March: 300
April: 352
May: 332
June: 252
July: 96
August: 42
September: 58
October: 34
November: 14
December: 16
An EF-5 Storm Strikes
On June 20, 2025, a powerful tornado struck near Enderlin, North Dakota, leaving behind a path of extreme destruction and making history in the process. When the National Weather Service first completed its damage survey, the tornado received an EF-3 rating. However, meteorologists continued reviewing additional damage indicators and storm chaser footage in the days that followed.
After a deeper analysis, the National Weather Service upgrades the rating to an EF-5, marking the first tornado of that strength in the United States in 12 years.
The updated classification highlighted just how intense the storm truly was. EF-5 tornadoes represent the strongest category on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, capable of sweeping well-built homes from foundations, tossing heavy vehicles, and causing catastrophic damage across entire communities.
Photos from the National Weather Service survey tell a powerful story. One of the final images from the Enderlin damage report shows a completely destroyed vehicle, serving as a stark reminder that trying to ride out a tornado in a car is extremely dangerous. Vehicles can easily be rolled, lifted, or thrown by the intense winds of a strong tornado.
Events like the Enderlin tornado reinforce why early warnings matter. Alerts from a NOAA Weather Radio, like Midland's WR120, provide critical, real-time information from the National Weather Service, helping people move to shelter quickly when seconds count. In fast-changing severe weather situations, that early warning can make all the difference.
Missouri's Historic, Active Tornado Year
Missouri experienced one of its most active and deadly tornado seasons in over a decade during 2025. According to state officials, it was the deadliest year for tornadoes in the Show-Me State in 14 years, with southeastern and east-central parts of the state seeing the most significant impacts.
According to the Missouri Department of Public Safety, 16 Missourians died due to tornadoes in 2025. The last time that many died in the state as a cause of the storms, was the deadly Joplin EF-5 tornado in 2011.
Communities across the region were hit repeatedly by severe storms, with tornado activity far exceeding the state's typical climatology. In many areas, the number of tornadoes and severe weather events was several times higher than what is normally expected in a given year. The result was widespread damage, disrupted communities, and a clear reminder of how quickly severe weather can escalate in the Midwest.
Years like this highlight the importance of preparation and reliable warning systems. When storms develop quickly, having multiple, redundant ways of receiving alerts is vital. Outdoor sirens are meant to be heard outdoors and aren't necessarily consistently maintained, the storm itself can damage or take down cell towers. That's why we always encourage people to have a NOAA Weather Radio- at home, in schools, and businesses so they can take shelter sooner. These radios sound as soon as the National Weather Service issues a watch or warning, providing users the most critical, accurate information from experts.
For many Missouri residents, the severe weather of 2025 reinforced a simple, but important lesson: when it comes to tornado safety, early warnings and preparation can save lives.
NOAA Weather Radio Saves Lives
Severe weather often develops quickly and when it does, receiving warnings as early as possible can make the difference between safety and danger. That's why emergency managers encourage people to rely on multiple, redundant ways of receiving alerts, rather than depending on a single source.
A NOAA Weather Radio plays a critical role in that system. Coming straight from the National Weather Service, these radios provide immediate alerts for tornado warnings, severe thunderstorms, flash floods, and other life-threatening hazards, sending you alerts as soon as the alert is issued.
Other alert methods can sometimes fail when they're needed most. Cell networks may become overwhelmed during major weather events. In some cases, the severe storm itself can also damage cell towers or knock out power, limiting access to phone alerts. Outdoor warning sirens are another important tool, but they are designed primarily to alert people who are outside. Many residents indoors may not hear them clearly, and siren systems are not always maintained or tested as consistently in every community.
A NOAA Weather Radio fills those gaps by providing a reliable, dedicated source of emergency information inside homes, schools, and businesses because the alerts come directly from the National Weather Service.
Midland's NOAA Weather Radios
Midland is the gold-standard of NOAA Weather Radios.
Two of Midland's NOAA Weather Radios (WR120 and WR400) are Public-Alert Certified which means they meet specific, strict standards set by the National Weather Service.
WR120 NOAA Weather and Emergency Alert Radio - WR120
This is Midland's most popular NOAA Weather Radio.
This compact and reliable radio receives instant NOAA weather alerts specifically for your area, ensuring you are always in the know about severe weather conditions.
It also comes with battery back up. It's perfect for keeping by your bedside or at the front desk at your business.
WR400 Deluxe NOAA Weather and Emergency Alert Radio - WR400
This is Midland's premiere NOAA Weather Radio.
Like the WR120, the WR400 is public certified so users can be sure it meets the necessary standards to receive alerts straight from the National Weather Service.
The WR400 also includes the same features you love on the WR120, but with an alarm clock that also offers AM/FM radio.
With the WR400 in home, families can be sure they're getting the fastest, most reliable alerts to seek safety as quickly as possible.
How to Prepare for a Tornado:
According to the National Weather Service, here's a few things households should do to prepare for a tornado, before the storm strikes.
- Be Weather-Ready: Check the forecast regularly. Listen to the local news or your NOAA Weather Radio
- Sign Up for Notifications: Know how your community sends warnings. Make sure your NOAA Weather Radio is charged, has batteries, and is correctly programmed to your area.
- Create a Communications Plan: Have a plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or a home without a basement, choose a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, like a church or family member's home. This also includes designating a safe room in your house so that each member of the household knows where to meet if a warning is issued.
- Practice Your Plan: Conduct drills regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Don't forget your pets if time allows.
- Prepare Your Home: Consider having your safe room reinforced.
- Help Your Neighbors: Encourage your loved ones and neighbors to plan for tornadoes.
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