Here are some startling tornado statistics
(Source: NWS)
- More tornadoes are reported in the United States than anywhere else in the world.
- Tornadoes are most frequent in the Midwest.
- Tornadoes occur most often in the late afternoon or evening, and in the Spring. But they can occur at any time of the day and in any season.
- Wind speeds in a tornado may exceed 300 miles per hour.
- An average of 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year in the United States. About 1,300 tornadoes develop from these storms.
- Two of the three most devastating tornadoes to strike St. Louis did so in "off-season" periods. Many of us think that tornadoes only occur in the spring, and statistically, is when most develop. However, in the St. Louis area, significant tornadoes have occurred on these off-season dates: September 29, 1927 -- February 10, 1959 -- January 24, 1967
So, if a tornado watch or warning is issued in the fall or winter months, it should be taken seriously, just as in spring or summer!!!!!
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