Tornadoes

TORNADOES

Tornadoes are more common in the United States than in any other country or state…averaging 1,375 a year. April, May and June are historically the most active for severe weather and tornadoes, with an average of 660 twisters spinning up within that three-month window. By the end of March, 2023, the U.S. had already been struck with 180 tornadoes. Alabama experienced the most, followed by Georgia, Louisiana & Texas. Mississippi (closely followed by Texas) took the most hits in 2022, according to NOAA. Texas, since 1997, has also averaged 135 per year, mainly in April, May & June.

  • Where are the most tornadoes in the U.S?
    Most often in the midwest's“tornado alley” (which runs through Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota) and “dixie alley".
  • How does global warming increase tornado activity?
    Instability occurs when warm, moist air is wedged under drier, cooler air aloft. This warm air rises, causing the intense updrafts and downdrafts seen in strong thunderstorms— the incubators of tornadoes.
  • What states have never had a tornado?
    Alaska, Rhode Island and Washington
  • What are the top 10 worst tornadoes ever to occur in the U.S?
    The 25 deadliest tornadoes date back to 1840. NOAA has a list here and a brilliant list of FAQs here.

CREDIT: Wikipedia

CURRENT NEWS

Tornadoes, flash flooding reported as powerful storms move through southern New England

By Steve Bottari 08/18/23
The NWS confirmed tornadoes that a tornado touched down in North Attleboro and Mansfield, Massachusetts. Another tornado was confirmed in Weymouth. The NWS was assessing damage in Scituate, Rhode Island, to see if a tornado…
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Tornado Kills at Least 4 in Texas Panhandle Town

By Edgar Sandoval and Lucinda Holt 06/21/23
The Dollar General was a heap of splintered wood. A lone horse stood as if in shock next to a pile of debris. Entire blocks of the small Texas Panhandle town of Matador were completely…
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Tornado Hits Central Mississippi, Killing at Least 1

By Derrick Bryson Taylor 06/19/23
At least one person was killed and 19 others were injured after a tornado slammed central Mississippi overnight and destroyed up to 30 structures, the authorities said.
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America’s Tornadoes Are Evolving, Fast

By Amanda Hoover 04/07/23
The US is experiencing devastation from a flurry of tornadoes. At least five people died Wednesday when a tornado tore through southeastern Missouri. It followed six in New Jersey and one in Delaware that killed…
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Tornado deaths in 2023 are already more than double last year′s total

By Ian Livingston 04/06/23
Tornadoes have taken a tragic toll on life and property this year, and most of the April-to-June peak period still lies ahead. About 60 people have died in tornadoes in 2023, nearly three times higher…
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Here’s what we know about how climate change is influencing tornadoes

By Scott Dance 04/02/23
Scientists are investigating the role between climate change and tornadoes — and they suspect that these storms will become more frequent as the planet warms....
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The Gulf of Mexico is very warm. That could mean a bad tornado season.

By Matthew Cappucci 03/22/23
Water temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico often enter the conversation during hurricane season, but they also play a role in tornado season each spring. Concern is growing for the potential impact that abnormally warm…
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