July 2025 will be remembered as the month the U.S. tornado season went off the charts. By June 30, the nation had already logged 1,296 preliminary, filtered tornado reports, far above the long-term average—and July only intensified the pace. Twisters tore through the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast, with some outbreaks supercharged by the lingering energy and moisture from Tropical Storm Chantal.br br In St. Louis, Missouri, communities are still rebuilding after a catastrophic EF3 tornado in May that killed five people and injured 38, a grim reminder that the season’s human toll doesn’t end when the sirens stop. Across the country, smaller towns faced “localized” damage that felt anything but small—roofs ripped away, crops flattened, and power grids shredded. Nighttime tornadoes added another layer of danger, striking while families slept and warning systems struggled to wake everyone in time.br br As recovery continues, vigilance is non-negotiable. Check your alerts, know your safe room, back up key documents, and talk evacuation plans with your family—before the next watch turns into a warning. This season isn’t over, and preparedness is the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.