On average, 1,200 tornadoes are reported annually in the U.S. The peak activity of tornadoes, which can happen anywhere at any time, is typically observed in the central and southern states during tornado season from March to June.
However, the year 2024 has seen an unusual surge in tornado occurrences. In April alone, over 100 tornadoes struck the United States within a week. Data from the National Center for Environmental Information showed a total of 384 reported tornado cases for the month, more than double the previous year and the second-highest number on record.
The widespread damage included the destruction of numerous homes in Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa. Severe storms in these areas led to four casualties and left thousands without electricity. A building collapse in Sulphur town further emphasized the impact of the storms.
Footage of tornado damage in Sulphur, Oklahoma arrives#breaking news #tornado pic.twitter.com/TkZXaF4WX9
— Dr.Duet🇵🇸 (@Drduet56) April 28, 2024
Recent tornado activity has extended into unexpected regions like Nebraska and Iowa, venturing farther northeast than usual for April. The uncharacteristically warm temperatures experienced in Wisconsin led to its first recorded tornado in February.
What is causing this dangerous change of pace?
To comprehend this, understanding the formation of tornadoes is crucial. “A tornado is an area of rotating air between the ground and the clouds above,” explains Professor Jana Hauser. The range of tornado strength can vary widely, from 60 to 300 mph, posing significant risks to humans.
Hauser elucidates that tornado formation is a complex process requiring specific conditions to align, including warm, moist air rising towards cooler air and vertical wind shear leading to a rotating storm. This rotation creates an upward motion that intensifies to form a tornado.
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The 2024 tornado season has shattered records, but with luck, the effects of El Niño will diminish, returning conditions to normal. However, the future remains uncertain in the face of ongoing climate changes.
About our experts
Jana Hauser: Associate Professor at Ohio State University specializing in tornadoes and supercell thunderstorms through radar analysis using advanced mobile radar observations. Her research focuses on tornado-ground interactions and their intensity and path variations based on topography and land cover.
Hauser has contributed significantly to tornado and supercell studies, publishing 19 peer-reviewed journal articles on these subjects. Most of her work has been recognized by the American Meteorological Society.
For further insights, please refer to our experts’ work.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
