As seasons change spring can often bring violent, deadly tornadoes to the central United States. But this year has been different, with a record-breaking lull in tornado activity and a corresponding drop in tornado deaths, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.
During the first five months of 2018, tornadoes were responsible for three fatalities, well below the historical average of 38 deaths for that period and a record low number over the past twelve months. What’s behind this positive change?
One reason is simply a lack of tornadoes, particularly strong ones. NOAA’s National Weather Service has recorded a total of 431 eyewitness tornado reports as of May 31, a little over half of the average at this time of year.
Of that total, only three have been rated as the more violent and deadly type, EF3, and none have been rated higher (EF4 or EF5) on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. More than 85 percent of tornado deaths occur in tornadoes rated EF3 or stronger. Incredibly the U.S. went a record 305 days, from May 17, 2017-March 18, 2018, with no EF3 or stronger tornadoes.
Continue reading at NOAA.
Image via NOAA.