What's up with all the tornadoes on the North American continent?

Question

How come the occurrence of tornadoes is so widespread on the North American continent? I know they occur elsewhere in the world on occasion, but nowhere near as frequently as here. This year seems to be a special year for them- there have already been quite a few in January and February.

Answer 1

I think they said it had something to do with the el' nino or la'nino patteren  ( I forgot which) that has brought these storms to the Plains and southeast this year.  I know that we can all agree that that we're tied of hearing the the word "severe thunderstorms" I know I am. Stay safe.

Answer 2

because of global warming.

i have a tornado watch at my house right now.

Answer 3

These are naturally occuring storms and are no more prevalent this year than last year.  Remember, the weather you get goes in cycles.  One year the conditions are set up and the next year they are not.

Answer 4

Tornadoes this time of year is normal.  Frequent tornadoes are also normal.  1975 was a big year for tornadoes and there was no global warming / cooling / climate change.  

USA has the biggest tornadoes but parts of Western Europe have the most tornadoes in the world.  Australia has the tallest thunderclouds.