As the 2026 severe weather season begins to take shape, forecasters are urging communities not to let their guard down. While tornado totals this year are expected to fall closer to the historical average—between 1,050 and 1,250 nationwide—experts caution that fewer tornadoes do not necessarily mean fewer impacts. Meteorologists anticipate repeated rounds of severe thunderstorms, particularly across the eastern Plains, mid-Mississippi Valley, and western Ohio Valley, bringing damaging straight-line winds, large hail, and an increased risk of flash flooding.

Last spring delivered exceptional tornado activity, with nearly two-thirds of the year’s tornadoes occurring between March and May. This year’s pattern may look different, but the risks remain significant.

At BBF, forecasts like these reinforce the importance of preparation. We focus on building strong partnerships and maintaining the resources needed to respond quickly and responsibly when communities are impacted.

In 2025, BBF responded to a series of major tornado outbreaks that devastated large areas of Mississippi, Missouri, Alabama, Arkansas, and Illinois. Multiple EF3 and EF4 tornadoes damaged thousands of homes, displaced families, and placed enormous pressure on local emergency systems and food access networks.

In Mississippi, BBF provided a grant to the Mississippi Food Network, supporting its disaster inventory of food boxes and bottled water. With a 56-county service area and a network of more than 430 partner agencies, the organization was positioned to reach low-income families, seniors, and rural residents most affected by the storms. The funding strengthened its nine-region emergency response network, allowing for rapid distribution across impacted communities.

Earlier in the year, BBF also provided a grant to the Southeast Missouri Food Bank, which was actively serving communities in the Bootheel region following destructive March tornadoes. The grant helped expand emergency distributions, restock essential supplies, and support families facing displacement and property loss.

Severe weather season is one of the few disasters where preparation can significantly reduce impact. Identifying safe shelter locations, reviewing warning systems, restocking emergency supplies, and planning for vulnerable family members are simple but critical steps households can take before storms intensify.

For BBF, preparation also means maintaining strong relationships with food banks, healthcare providers, and community organizations so that when severe weather strikes, support can move quickly. Whether responding with grant funding or coordinating shipments of essential supplies, readiness allows for immediate action.

As forecasts point to another active season of thunderstorms, damaging winds, and flooding risks, BBF remains committed to standing alongside communities before, during, and after disaster. Storm counts may vary from year to year, but the need for steady, reliable response does not.

Severe Weather Preparedness Checklist

• Identify the safest place in your home, work, and school
•   Review how you will receive weather alerts, especially overnight
•   Restock emergency supplies, including batteries and backup power
•   Keep shelters and safe spaces accessible
•   Have a plan for pets and those needing extra assistance