NOAA Storm Reports Interactive Map: Real-Time Severe Weather Tracking

Track Tornadoes, Hail, and Damaging Winds with Official National Weather Service Data

Severe weather strikes without warning, affecting millions of Americans each year. Our NOAA Storm Reports Interactive Map provides real-time access to official severe weather reports from the National Weather Service, helping you track tornadoes, large hail, and damaging wind events across the United States as they’re reported.

Whether you’re a weather enthusiast, storm chaser, emergency manager, researcher, or simply concerned about severe weather in your area, this interactive tool delivers authoritative storm data directly from NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.

What is the NOAA Storm Reports Map?

The NOAA Storm Reports Interactive Map is a free, web-based visualization tool that displays severe weather reports collected and verified by the National Weather Service. This powerful mapping application aggregates tornado sightings, hail reports, and wind damage observations from trained spotters, emergency managers, law enforcement, and the general public.

Key Features of Our Storm Tracking System

Real-Time Severe Weather Visualization

• Interactive map showing all storm reports from the past week
• Color-coded markers distinguishing tornado, hail, and wind reports
• Detailed information for each severe weather event
• Automatic clustering for areas with multiple reports

Advanced Filtering Capabilities

• Filter by report type (tornadoes, hail, wind)
• Select specific days from the past week
• View all reports or filter to specific categories
• Smart marker clustering shows report density

Data Export Functions

• Export filtered data as GeoJSON for GIS applications
• Download CSV files for spreadsheet analysis
• Use exported data for research and presentations
• Integration-ready formats for developers

Interactive Controls

• One-click refresh for the latest reports
• Automatic map fitting to show all visible reports
• Toggle clustering on/off for detailed views
• Responsive design for desktop and mobile

Where Does the Storm Report Data Come From?

Primary Data Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center (SPC)

Our storm reports map pulls data directly from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Storm Prediction Center (SPC), the federal agency responsible for forecasting severe thunderstorms and tornadoes across the United States.

NOAA SPC Data Services:

• Storm Reports Database: Comprehensive archive of verified severe weather events
• Real-Time Reporting Network: Reports submitted within hours of occurrence
• Quality Control: All reports reviewed by NWS meteorologists
• Historical Archive: Complete records dating back decades

How Storm Reports Are Collected

Report Sources:

• SKYWARN Trained Storm Spotters: Volunteers trained by the National Weather Service
• Emergency Management Officials: County and state emergency personnel
• Law Enforcement: Police and sheriff departments reporting damage
• General Public: Citizens submitting reports through proper channels
• NWS Storm Survey Teams: Post-event damage assessments
• Doppler Radar Analysis: Radar-indicated severe weather events

Data Verification Process

The National Weather Service employs rigorous quality control:

1. Initial Report Submission: Reports received via multiple channels
2. Meteorologist Review: NWS forecasters evaluate each report
3. Cross-Reference: Reports compared with radar and satellite data
4. Damage Surveys: Ground truth verification for significant events
5. Database Entry: Verified reports entered into official records
6. Public Dissemination: Data made available through SPC services

This multi-layer verification ensures the storm reports you see represent actual severe weather events, not false alarms or unverified claims.

Understanding the Data Limitations

Important Constraints to Consider

While NOAA’s storm report database is the most authoritative source for severe weather documentation in the United States, users should understand certain limitations:

Reporting Delays

• Reports may take 1-24 hours to appear after the event
• Remote areas may have longer reporting delays
• Weekend and overnight events may not be reported until business hours
• The verification process can delay the final report posting

Coverage Gaps

• Sparsely populated areas have fewer spotters and reporters
• Not all severe weather events are witnessed or reported
• Minor hail or wind events may go unreported
• Storms over water or wilderness areas often lack ground truth

Report Density Variability

• Urban areas typically have more reports than rural regions
• Active spotter networks increase report frequency
• Weather awareness varies by community
• Multiple reports may describe the same event

Measurement Accuracy

• Hail size estimates can be subjective
• Wind speeds are often estimated, not measured
• Tornado ratings are preliminary until full surveys are completed
• Location coordinates may be approximate

Data Update Frequency

• SPC database updates multiple times daily, not continuously
• Our map reflects the most recent SPC data snapshot
• Real-time events may not appear for several hours
• Historical corrections may modify older reports

What This Map Should NOT Be Used For

⚠️ Critical Warning: This storm reports map shows PAST severe weather events and should NOT be used for:

• Real-time severe weather warnings or alerts
• Immediate safety decisions during active weather
• Storm forecasting or prediction
• Determining if the weather is currently safe
• Emergency shelter decisions

For real-time warnings and current threats, always use:

• NOAA Weather Radio
• National Weather Service warnings and watches
• Local TV and radio weather alerts
• Weather.gov for your specific location
• Emergency alert systems on mobile devices
• Weather apps with push notification alerts

This map is a historical record tool showing where severe weather occurred, not where it’s currently happening or will happen.

How to Use the NOAA Storm Reports Map

Getting Started with Storm Report Tracking

Step 1: View Recent Storm Reports When you load the map, you’ll immediately see severe weather reports from the past week marked with color-coded symbols:

Step 2: Apply Filters. Use the control panel to customize your view:

• Select specific report types (tornado, hail, wind, or all)
• Choose which day(s) to display from the past week
• Filter to see only certain categories of events

Step 3: Explore Report Details Click any storm marker to view comprehensive information:

• Report type and severity
• Date and time of occurrence
• Exact location (city, county, state)
• Magnitude (hail size, wind speed, tornado rating)
• Comments from spotters and survey teams
• Reporting source

Advanced Map Features

Marker Clustering When viewing large numbers of reports, the map automatically clusters nearby markers for clarity. Cluster circles show:

• Number of reports in that area
• Color intensity indicates report density
• Click clusters to zoom in and see individual reports
• Toggle clustering on/off for different perspectives

Map Controls

• Refresh Data: Load the latest storm reports from NOAA
• Fit All Reports: Automatically zoom to show all visible reports
• Toggle Clustering: Switch between clustered and individual marker views
• Zoom/Pan: Standard map controls for navigation

Export Capabilities Download filtered storm data in multiple formats:

• GeoJSON: For use in GIS software (ArcGIS, QGIS)
• CSV: For spreadsheet analysis (Excel, Google Sheets)
• Includes all report details and coordinates
• Perfect for research, presentations, and analysis

Understanding Severe Weather Report Types

What Constitutes a Tornado Report:

• Visual confirmation of a funnel cloud touching the ground
• Damage pattern consistent with tornado circulation
• Doppler radar indicates tornadic rotation
• Debris field or damage path observed

Tornado Rating System (Enhanced Fujita Scale):

• EF0: 65-85 mph winds – Light damage
• EF1: 86-110 mph winds – Moderate damage
• EF2: 111-135 mph winds – Considerable damage
• EF3: 136-165 mph winds – Severe damage
• EF4: 166-200 mph winds – Devastating damage
• EF5: Over 200 mph winds – Incredible damage

Important Notes:

• Initial reports show “EF-Unknown” until surveys are completed
• NWS storm survey teams determine final ratings
• Ratings based on damage, not measured wind speed
• It may take days or weeks for the final rating

Hail Reports

Hail Size Classifications:

• Pea: 0.25 inches (below severe criteria)
• Penny/Dime: 0.75 inches (severe threshold)
• Quarter: 1.00 inches (significant damage possible)
• Golf Ball: 1.75 inches (damaging to vehicles)
• Tennis Ball: 2.50 inches (very damaging)
• Baseball: 2.75 inches (destructive)
• Softball: 4.00+ inches (extremely rare, extremely destructive)

Reporting Criteria:

• Hail 1 inch diameter or larger qualifies as “severe”
• Sizes are typically compared to common objects
• Measurements should be the largest stone found
• Photos are often included in modern reports

Impact Information:

• Quarter-size hail damages crops and plants
• Golf ball hail dents vehicles and breaks windows
• Baseball-size hail causes major property damage
• Softball hail is life-threatening if caught outdoors

Wind Reports

Wind Speed Categories:

• 50-57 mph: Threshold for severe thunderstorm warning
• 58-74 mph: Damaging winds, tree damage begins
• 75-89 mph: Significant damage, widespread power outages
• 90+ mph: Extreme winds, major structural damage

Types of Wind Reports:

• Measured: Actual wind speed from anemometers
• Estimated: Damage-based wind speed estimates
• Thunderstorm Winds: Straight-line wind damage
• Downburst/Microburst: Concentrated downdraft winds
• Gust Front: Leading edge of thunderstorm outflow

Wind Damage Indicators:

• Trees uprooted or snapped
• Power lines and poles are down
• Roof damage to structures
• Overturned vehicles or trailers
• Widespread debris

Severe Weather Patterns and Seasonality

When Severe Weather Occurs

Spring (March-May)

• Peak tornado season in the Great Plains and the South
• Severe weather maximum in “Tornado Alley”
• Large hail is common as the jet stream dips south
• Most deadly tornado outbreaks historically occur in the spring

Summer (June-August)

• Severe weather shifts north into the upper Midwest
• Damaging wind and hail reports increase
• Tornadoes are less frequent but still occur
• Afternoon/evening storms from daytime heating

Fall (September-November)

• Secondary severe weather peaks in some regions
• Tornadic activity decreases but remains possible
• Tropical systems can spawn tornadoes
• Severe weather is less widespread than in the spring

Winter (December-February)

• Severe weather is minimal in most areas
• Deep South can still see tornado outbreaks
• Rare but significant tornado events are possible
• Gulf Coast states remain vulnerable

Geographic Patterns

Highest Severe Weather Frequency:

Tornado Alley (Classic)

• Central Oklahoma
• North-central Texas
• Kansas
• Nebraska

Dixie Alley

• Mississippi
• Alabama
• Tennessee
• Arkansas
• More deadly due to terrain, trees, and nighttime tornadoes

Hail Alley

• Eastern Colorado
• Western Kansas
• Nebraska
• Wyoming
• Frequent large hail from supercell thunderstorms

High Wind Areas

• Great Plains
• Upper Midwest
• Derecho-prone regions (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana)

Using Storm Report Data for Research

Academic and Scientific Applications

Climate Trend Analysis

• Long-term changes in severe weather frequency
• Geographic shifts in tornado activity
• Hail size distribution trends over time
• Seasonal pattern variations

Storm Forecasting Improvement

• Verification of warning accuracy
• Understanding false alarm rates
• Improving lead time for warnings
• Refining severe weather models

Emergency Management Planning

• Risk assessment for communities
• Resource allocation decisions
• Public education program development
• Building code considerations

Insurance and Economic Studies

• Storm damage cost estimation
• Risk modeling for property insurance
• Agricultural loss assessment
• Infrastructure vulnerability analysis

Data Export for Analysis

Our export features enable researchers to:

• Download complete datasets for statistical analysis
• Import into GIS software for spatial analysis
• Create custom visualizations and maps
• Combine with other meteorological datasets
• Publish findings in academic journals

Storm Report Statistics and Trends

Annual Severe Weather Averages

Tornado Statistics:

• Average: 1,000-1,200 tornadoes annually in the US
• Fatal tornadoes: 5-10 per year on average
• EF3+ tornadoes: 30-40 annually
• Most tornadoes are weak (EF0-EF1)
• Approximately 70% of tornadoes occur from March to July

Hail Statistics:

• An estimated 5,000-8,000 large hail events occur annually
• Causes $1-2 billion in crop damage yearly
• $1-1.5 billion in property damage annually
• Colorado Front Range sees the most hail
• Peak months: April, May, June

Wind Statistics:

• Thousands of damaging wind reports annually
• Derechos (widespread wind events) occur 10-20 times per year
• Straight-line winds cause more total damage than tornadoes
• Microbursts and downbursts are most common in summer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Questions About Storm Reports

Q: How quickly do storm reports appear on the map after an event?

A: Reporting timelines vary significantly. Some reports appear within 1-2 hours, especially for significant events with active spotter networks. However, most reports take 4-24 hours to be verified and entered into the database. Reports from remote areas, overnight storms, or weekends may take even longer. The National Weather Service prioritizes verification over speed to ensure accuracy.

Q: Can I see storm reports from previous years?

A: The current version of this map displays reports from the past 7 days only, using NOAA’s active storm report feeds. For historical data beyond the current week, visit the official Storm Prediction Center website at spc.noaa.gov, where archived reports dating back decades are available through their Storm Data database.

Q: Why do some areas have many more reports than others?

A: Report density reflects several factors:

• Population density: Urban areas have more potential observers
• Spotter networks: Areas with active SKYWARN groups report more events
• Actual weather patterns: Some regions genuinely experience more severe weather
• Terrain: Flat, open areas are easier to observe than mountainous or forested regions
• Weather awareness: Communities with tornado history tend to report more actively

Q: What’s the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning?

A: This is crucial for safety:

• Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for tornadoes to develop. Be prepared and monitor weather closely.
• Tornado Warning: A tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar. Take shelter immediately.

This map shows reports of tornadoes that have already occurred, not watches or warnings for potential future tornadoes.

Q: Are all severe weather events reported?

A: No. Many severe weather events go unreported because:

• They occur in remote, unpopulated areas
• No trained observers were present
• The event was brief and caused no notable damage
• Observers didn’t know how to submit reports
• Events occurred during overnight hours when people were sleeping

The Storm Prediction Center estimates that actual severe weather occurrence exceeds reported events by a considerable margin.

Questions About Specific Report Types

Q: What does “EF-Unknown” or “EF-Scale Unknown” mean for tornado reports?

A: This indicates that a tornado was confirmed (visually or by radar), but a formal damage survey has not yet been completed to assign an Enhanced Fujita Scale rating. The National Weather Service sends survey teams to assess significant tornadoes, but this process takes time. Initial reports prioritize confirming the tornado occurred; the rating comes later, sometimes days or weeks afterward.

Q: How accurate are hail size estimates?

A: Hail size accuracy varies:

• Most Accurate: When hailstones are collected, measured with a ruler, and photographed
• Moderately Accurate: Comparisons to common objects (quarter, golf ball, baseball)
• Less Accurate: Visual estimates without physical measurement
• Potential Issues: People tend to remember the largest stones, not average size; excitement can lead to overestimation

The National Weather Service encourages measuring the largest stone with a ruler and taking photos for more accurate reports.

Q: What’s the difference between “measured” and “estimated” wind speeds?

A:

• Measured winds: Recorded by calibrated anemometers (wind measuring instruments) at airports, weather stations, or personal weather stations. These are highly reliable.
• Estimated winds: Determined by assessing damage and applying engineering principles to estimate the wind speed that caused that damage. These are less precise but still valuable.

Most wind reports are estimated rather than measured because anemometers are relatively rare compared to the vast area covered by thunderstorms.

Q: Can hail and tornadoes occur from the same storm?

A: Absolutely! Supercell thunderstorms—the most severe type—frequently produce both large hail and tornadoes. In fact, you’ll often see hail reports surrounding tornado reports on the map, as these events occurred from the same rotating thunderstorm. However, the hail and tornado usually affect different locations along the storm’s path.

Q: What does “spotter” mean in storm reports?

A: A storm spotter is typically someone trained through the National Weather Service’s SKYWARN program to identify and report severe weather. Training covers:

• Identifying wall clouds, funnel clouds, and tornadoes
• Estimating hail size accurately
• Assessing wind damage
• Proper reporting procedures
• Safety guidelines

Trained spotters provide more reliable reports than the general public, though anyone can submit storm reports.

Questions About Using the Map

Q: Does the map update automatically, or do I need to refresh?

A: You need to manually refresh using the “Refresh Data” button. The map does not auto-refresh because:

• It reduces server load on NOAA’s systems
• Gives you control over when to fetch new data
• Prevents interrupting your current map view
• Allows you to work with a stable dataset while analyzing

For the latest reports, click the refresh button every 30-60 minutes during active weather days.

Q: What does “clustering” mean, and when should I use it?

A: Clustering groups of nearby storm reports into numbered circles to prevent overwhelming the map with markers.

Clustering ON (default):

• Best for viewing large areas or many days of reports
• Shows density of severe weather activity
• Keeps the map uncluttered
• Click clusters to zoom in and see individual reports

Clustering OFF:

• Best for detailed examination of specific areas
• Shows every single report as an individual marker
• Better for research and analysis
• Can be visually crowded with many reports

Q: Can I use this map on my phone or tablet?

A: Yes! The NOAA Storm Reports Map is fully responsive and optimized for mobile devices. The interface adapts to smaller screens, though some features work better on larger displays. All core functionality—viewing reports, filtering, and accessing details—works seamlessly on iOS and Android devices.

Q: Why can’t I see any storm reports?

A: Several possible reasons:

• No severe weather has occurred in the past week
• The data feed from NOAA may be temporarily down (rare)
• Your filters might be excluding all reports (check settings)
• JavaScript may be disabled in your browser
• Network connectivity issues are preventing data loading

Try clicking “Refresh Data” and checking your filter settings. During calm weather periods, there may legitimately be few or no reports.

Questions About Data Export

Q: What’s the difference between GeoJSON and CSV export?

A: Both formats contain the same storm report data, but in different structures:

GeoJSON:

• Geographic data format readable by GIS software
• Preserves spatial coordinates and attributes
• Opens in ArcGIS, QGIS, Google Earth Pro, etc.
• Best for mapping and spatial analysis
• Contains geometry (points) and properties

CSV (Comma-Separated Values):

• Spreadsheet-friendly format
• Opens in Excel, Google Sheets, etc.
• Best for statistical analysis and charts
• Coordinates included as latitude/longitude columns
• Easier for non-GIS users

Choose based on your intended use!

Q: Can I use exported data for commercial purposes?

A: NOAA storm report data is public domain and free to use for any purpose, including commercial applications. There are no licensing fees or restrictions. However, NOAA appreciates attribution when their data is used. You cannot claim copyright over the original government data, but you can use it freely in your own products and services.

Q: Does the export include all fields from the NOAA database?

A: The export includes all major fields available through NOAA’s storm report service:

• Report type (tornado, hail, wind)
• Date and time
• Location (lat/lon, city, county, state)
• Magnitude (F-scale, hail size, wind speed)
• Comments and descriptions
• Data source

Some administrative fields internal to NOAA systems may be excluded, but all relevant meteorological and location data is included.

Q: How do I open a GeoJSON file?

A: Several options:

• Free GIS Software: QGIS (recommended, free and powerful)
• Online Viewers: geojson.io (paste the file contents)
• Google Earth Pro: Import as GPS data
• ArcGIS Online: Upload directly
• Text Editors: GeoJSON is a human-readable JSON format
• Programming: Load with Python, JavaScript, R

For casual users, geojson.io is the easiest—just paste the file contents to see an instant map.

Questions About Severe Weather Safety

Q: What should I do if I see a tornado?

A: If you’re at home:

• Go to the lowest level (basement if possible)
• Get to an interior room away from windows
• Get under sturdy furniture if available
• Cover yourself with a mattress or blankets
• Stay away from exterior walls

If you’re in a vehicle:

• DO NOT try to outrun a tornado
• Abandon your vehicle if it’s safe to do so
• Seek shelter in a sturdy building
• If no shelter is available, lie flat in a ditch or low area
• Cover your head and neck with your arms

Never:

• Seek shelter under highway overpasses (dangerous funnel effect)
• Open windows (old myth, wastes critical time)
• Try to film the tornado if it’s approaching

Q: Is the southwest corner of a basement really the safest spot?

A: This is an outdated myth. Modern research shows:

• No corner is significantly safer than another
• What matters: Interior room, lowest level, away from windows
• The central corridor or bathroom is often ideal
• Under stairs can provide extra structural protection
• The specific safe spot depends on your building’s structure

Focus on getting low and interior rather than worrying about which corner.

Q: How much advance warning do people typically get for tornadoes?

A: Current average tornado warning lead time is about 13-15 minutes. However:

• Some tornadoes develop rapidly with less warning
• Night tornadoes are harder to see and verify
• Radar technology has improved lead times significantly
• Spotter networks enhance warning accuracy
• Your actual warning time depends on local conditions

This is why having a plan and acting immediately when warnings are issued is crucial.

Q: Can I drive through large hail safely?

A: Not safely, no. If you encounter large hail while driving:

• Pull over and seek sturdy shelter if possible
• If no shelter is available, pull over carefully
• Turn away from the hail direction (face the rear of the car toward the storm)
• Get as low in your vehicle as possible
• Cover yourself with blankets, coats, or mats if available
• Stay in the car (better than being hit by hail outside)
• Do NOT park under trees (risk of large branches falling)

Golf ball size or larger hail can shatter windshields and severely injure people. Safety first!

Q: What’s a “derecho” and how is it different from a tornado?

A: A derecho is a widespread, long-lived windstorm associated with a line of severe thunderstorms. Key differences:

Derecho:

• Straight-line winds, not rotating
• Affects a swath hundreds of miles long
• Multiple states are impacted simultaneously
• Wind gusts often 80-100+ mph
• Lasts several hours
• The damage path is very wide

Tornado:

• Rotating column of air
• More localized damage path
• Typically affects smaller areas
• Can have higher wind speeds (200+ mph possible)
• Usually shorter duration
• Damage path relatively narrow

Both are extremely dangerous and can cause major destruction!

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Questions About Weather Patterns and Climate

Q: Are tornadoes becoming more frequent due to climate change?

A: The relationship is complex:

• No clear increase in total tornado numbers
• Possible increase in tornado outbreak severity
• Geographic shifts in tornado activity observed
• Increased variability year-to-year
• Better reporting accounts for some apparent increases

Climate scientists continue studying this relationship. What’s clear: tornado damage costs are rising due to increased development in tornado-prone areas.

Q: What time of day do most tornadoes occur?

A: Peak tornado time: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM local time, because:

• Maximum daytime heating
• Instability peaks in the afternoon/evening
• Supercells are most common during these hours
• Jet stream interactions are strongest

However, tornadoes can occur at any time. Overnight tornadoes are particularly dangerous because people are sleeping and cannot see the storm approaching.

Q: Why does “Tornado Alley” get so many tornadoes?

A: Geographic and meteorological factors converge:

• Warm, moist air flows north from the Gulf of Mexico
• Cool, dry air flows east from the Rocky Mountains
• Warm, dry air flows from the Southwest deserts
• The jet stream provides wind shear
• Flat terrain allows air masses to collide without topographic disruption

This unique combination creates ideal supercell thunderstorm conditions, spawning frequent tornadoes.

Q: Can tornadoes cross rivers or mountains?

A: Myth: NO. Tornadoes absolutely CAN and DO cross:

• Rivers and lakes (numerous documented cases)
• Mountains and hills (though terrain can weaken them)
• Urban areas (many cities have been hit)

This persistent myth is dangerous because it creates false confidence. Never assume any natural feature will protect you from a tornado.

Q: What’s the largest hailstone ever recorded?

A: The world record hailstone fell in Vivian, South Dakota, on July 23, 2010:

• Diameter: 8.0 inches (bigger than a volleyball!)
• Circumference: 18.62 inches
• Weight: 1.94 pounds

Hailstones this large are life-threatening. The terminal velocity of an 8-inch hailstone is over 100 mph when it hits the ground.

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Stay Weather Aware and Stay Safe

The NOAA Storm Reports Interactive Map is an excellent educational tool for understanding severe weather patterns and history in your area. However, remember that this shows past events, not current or future threats.

For real-time weather warnings and forecasts, always rely on:

• National Weather Service: weather.gov
• NOAA Weather Radio: Automatic alerts 24/7
• Local TV/Radio: Experienced meteorologists
• Weather Apps: Enable emergency alerts
• Storm Prediction Center: spc.noaa.gov for outlooks

Be Prepared:

• Know your County (Warning issued by the county)
• Have multiple ways to receive warnings
• Develop a family emergency plan
• Practice tornado drills regularly
• Keep emergency supplies ready
• Sign up for local emergency alerts

Bookmark this storm reports map and check back regularly during severe weather season to see confirmed reports and understand local weather risks. Share this resource with family, friends, and colleagues interested in weather and safety.

Data Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center and National Weather Service. Map updates reflect the latest available verified storm reports from official government sources.