2025 Becomes Michigan’s 3rd Most Active Tornado Year on Record

Michigan isn't known for its severe weather, but last spring saw multiple severe weather systems that generated so many tornadoes that it had already exceeded the yearly average of 15 tornadoes by April.

Tornadoes didn't let up from there, and now that 2025 is complete, we have the final count for what was ultimately a very busy year for tornadoes.

The sky from Downtown Grand Rapids during the May 15th severe storm. / ZTommy McNeill, Townsquare Media / Canva

How busy? Tied third most in Michigan's recorded history, having the most severe tornado season in years.

2025's Tornado Season By The Numbers

To view this total, we'll look at NOAA's Storm Events Database, which tracks weather events throughout the year, such as blizzards, droughts, and, of course, tornadoes. According to their information and CBS News, there were 33 tornadoes in 2025, making it the third-most active season on record (records began in 1950).

READ MORE: Could Michigan Join Tornado Alley? Findings Show New Risks

The majority of these storm events occurred on March 30th and May 15th. Other dates include April 2nd, June 18th, July 26th, and September 22nd. 2025 is tied for third-most all-time with 1976 and 1973, with 2001 (35 tornadoes) and 1974 (39 tornadoes) the only more active years.

Graham Prentice

Thankfully, none of this year's storms were particularly damaging, with none of the tornadoes getting higher than a F-1 classification. 2025 made the Michigan pass-time of stormwatching instead of taking cover a true spectacle.