The spring 2011 tornado season was amongst the most active in United States history by many measures, including the most fatalities in a single year since NOAA-NWS records begin (1950). The AL-MS-TN tornado outbreak on 27 April established a new NOAA-NWS record for tornado fatalities in a single day, and the 22 May Joplin, MO death toll for a single tornado surpassed the 1953 Flint MI and Waco TX tornado disasters. Combined with major tornado outbreaks over the Carolinas and portions of the central and eastern United States, 2011 was truly a historic tornado season.

Major severe weather events during 2011 will be detailed and summarized. Historic perspectives will be provided through comparison of spring 2011 with events both in the modern record (post 1950) and historic record (1850- present). The tragic loss of life during the 2011 spring tornado season also illuminates the urgent need for the US weather enterprise to work collaboratively to further improve US severe weather services, communication and protective actions.