The nation is witnessing its most extreme tornado season in over a decade, highlighted by a significant outbreak in June that resulted in 51 verified tornadoes across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, marking one of the most substantial regional outbreaks recorded. The most powerful tornado, classified as EF-3, occurred near Kouts, Indiana, with wind speeds reaching 165 miles per hour. The National Weather Service's Chicago office reported 23 tornadoes within its jurisdiction, ranking it as the second largest local outbreak documented. Experts indicate that the strong jet stream contributing to the July heat wave is maintaining a heightened risk of tornado activity into the summer months across the Central Plains and Midwest.
