Storm — what does it mean?
When you cast this spell, copy it for each other spell cast before it this turn.
Storm appears on 36 cards.
How does Storm work?
Storm is a triggered ability that goes off when you cast the spell. You copy that spell once for each other spell that was cast before it this turn. That number is the storm count, and it includes spells cast by every player, not just you. Spells that were countered still count, because only casting matters. Lands aren't spells and abilities aren't spells, so neither adds to the count. The storm spell doesn't count itself.
The copies are put on the stack above the original and resolve first. If the spell has targets, you may choose new targets for each copy, so you can split the damage or the effect however you like. Copies keep the choices made for the original, such as modes and the value of X. Copies aren't cast, though. They don't raise the storm count for a later storm spell, and they don't trigger abilities that care about casting, such as prowess.
The trigger is separate from the spell itself. It goes on the stack above the storm spell and normally resolves first, so by the time an opponent counters the original, the copies are already on the stack and resolve normally. To stop the copies, they need to counter the triggered ability itself or deal with each copy separately. A spell with multiple instances of storm triggers for each one. Storm decks chain cheap spells, mana rituals and card draw in one turn, so count out loud or keep a die next to you: the count is easy to lose track of.
An example at the table
During your upkeep your opponent casts an instant: that's 1. In your main phase you cast a card-draw spell, a ritual that adds mana, and another card-draw spell: that's 4. Now you cast a storm spell that deals 2 damage to any target. Storm creates 4 copies. You point three copies and the original at your opponent and one copy at their 2/2. The copies resolve first and kill the creature, then your opponent takes 4 times 2 is 8 damage from the remaining three copies and the original.
Cards with Storm
FlusterstormIllustration: Erica Yang
GrapeshotIllustration: Irvin Rodriguez
Brain FreezeIllustration: Tim Hildebrandt
Amphibian DownpourIllustration: Omar Rayyan
Empty the WarrensIllustration: Johan GrenierCommon mistakes
- Counting only your own spells. Storm counts every spell cast this turn, including your opponents' spells.
- Counting the copies. Copies aren't cast, so they don't add to a later storm count and don't trigger prowess.
- Thinking spells from last turn or land drops count. Only spells cast this turn count, and lands are never spells.
- Thinking countering the storm spell stops everything. The trigger is separate, and copies already on the stack still resolve.
Frequently asked questions
- Does storm count countered spells?
- Yes. Storm counts spells that were cast this turn, no matter what happened to them afterward.
- Does the storm spell count itself?
- No. It copies the spell for each other spell cast before it this turn.
- Can the copies have different targets?
- Yes. If the spell has targets, you may choose new targets for every copy.
- Do storm copies trigger cast abilities?
- No. A copy isn't cast, so it doesn't trigger abilities that say whenever you cast a spell.
Official rule: Comprehensive Rules 702.40. More on where this rulebook comes from under Sources.
Often seen with
Which cards with Storm do you own? →
Last updated: 26 October 2026