The number of reported tornadoes in the United States is at a record low through August 18. Using an inflation adjusted tornado count (reported tornadoes multiplied by 0.85 to remove overcount), the number of tornadoes through August 18 is 609. That is lower than the earlier reported low of 627 through that date. The data dates back to 1954.
As you can see in the graphic below the number of tornadoes reported in 2013 is far below the past several years. The previous low through August 18 since 2005 was 886 in 2005. So far this year, there have been 716 tornadoes reported through National Weather Service Local Storm Reports.
Spring is by far the most active time for tornadoes in the United States. Barring an unusually active fall, it is likely that the 2013 inflation adjusted tornado total at year’s end will be lower than the previous record of 944.
