Tornadoes

Tornadoes remain one of the deadliest and most costly natural disasters in the U.S., with over 2,100 recorded in 2024 alone—the highest on record. FEMA has invested billions in assistance and mitigation efforts, including safe rooms, sirens, and hazard-resistant building codes, but many rural and tribal communities still face barriers to accessing these resources. Challenges include cost-share requirements, complex applications, and limited direct access for Tribes to emergency management grants. The GAO calls for legislative and programmatic changes to ensure equitable access, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations.