Tornado Season2024: Causes  Of Tornadoes & How Meteorologists Predict Tornadoes?

Tornado Season2024

During the 2024 tornado season in the United States, a staggering number of tornadoes were reported, particularly in the states of Nebraska and Iowa. On April 26 alone, more than 85 tornadoes were documented, setting a daily record. Additionally, from January to April 26, over 350 other tornadoes struck the central USA, including 26 classified as very powerful—ranging from EF2 (Enhanced Fujita Scale) to even EF4. By mid-May 2024, the total count of tornadoes had reached 781, surpassing the national average of 549 disasters for the same period.

These tornadoes caused significant human losses, with six fatalities reported. Moreover, the aftermath left devastated landscapes: entire cities leveled, businesses impacted, vehicles overturned, trees uprooted, and road and rail infrastructure damaged. The impact was profound and underscores the importance of preparedness and safety during severe weather events.

Tornado Alley

It is a loosely defined region in the central United States and Canada where tornadoes are most frequent. Although there are no official boundaries, it generally extends from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, Montana, Ohio, and parts of Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

1. Origins: The term “Tornado Alley” was first used in 1952 for a research project studying severe weather in the mentioned areas. Storm chasers have long recognized the Great Plains tornado belt within this region.
2. Shifting Patterns: Research suggests that the main alley may be shifting eastward away from the Great Plains. Tornadoes are also becoming more frequent in the northern and eastern parts of Tornado Alley, reaching the Canadian Prairies, Ohio, Michigan, and Southern Ontario.
3. High Tornado Activity: While no place is entirely free of tornadoes, this area sees a higher concentration. Texas has the most overall tornadoes, but Kansas and Oklahoma rank first and second in the number of tornadoes per area. Interestingly, Florida, although not part of Tornado Alley, ranks high due to waterspouts.

1. Air Masses Collision: Tornado Alley lies along the Central Plains of the United States. Here, cold air from higher terrain in the west meets warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. This collision creates an environment ripe for severe weather, including tornadoes.
2. Supercell Storms: Tornadoes typically emerge from massive thunderstorms called supercells. These rotating storms have the necessary ingredients: instability, wind shear, and a source of lift. When these factors align, supercells spawn tornadoes.
3. Drylines: In Tornado Alley, a dryline often forms where dry, continental air from the west meets moist, warm air from the Central Plains. Along these boundaries, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms frequently develop

How do Meteorologists Predict Tornadoes

Meteorologists rely on numerical weather prediction models to assess whether conditions are conducive to tornado development. These sophisticated computer programs calculate atmospheric behavior across a large area, from the Earth’s surface to the upper atmosphere. By analyzing data from weather balloons, satellites, aircraft, and surface stations, these models help forecasters predict severe weather, including supercells that can spawn tornadoes. Additionally, ensemble forecasting—where multiple models are run simultaneously—provides insights into atmospheric behavior, allowing meteorologists to fine-tune their forecasts.

What is  Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale.

The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale), which became operational on February 1, 2007, is used to assign a tornado a “rating” based on estimated wind speeds and related damage. When tornado-related damage is surveyed, it is compared to a list of Damage Indicators (DIs) and Degrees of Damage (DoD), which help estimate the range of wind speeds the tornado likely produced. From that, a rating (from EF0 to EF5) is assigned. The EF Scale was revised from the original Fujita Scale to align wind speeds more closely with associated storm damage. Here’s how it breaks down:

• EF0: Wind speeds of 65-85 mph.
• EF1: Wind speeds of 86-110 mph.
• EF2: Wind speeds of 111-135 mph.
• EF3: Wind speeds of 136-165 mph.
• EF4: Wind speeds of 166-200 mph.
• EF5: Wind speeds over 200 m

Safety Tips to Protect Yourself from Tornado

  When facing a tornado, follow these safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones:

1. Seek Shelter: Find a sturdy building or storm shelter. If none are available, go to a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor.
2. Avoid Windows: Stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights. Flying debris can shatter them and cause injury.
3. Cover Up: Protect your head and neck with your arms. Use pillows, mattresses, or heavy blankets for cover.
4. Mobile Homes: If you’re in a mobile home, leave immediately and seek more secure shelter. Mobile homes are highly vulnerable to tornadoes.
5. Stay Informed: Listen to weather alerts and updates via a battery-powered weather radio or smartphone app. Be aware of local emergency plans.
6. Know Your Area: Familiarize yourself with community tornado sirens and evacuation routes.
7. Avoid Bridges and Overpasses: Contrary to popular belief, these are not safe during tornadoes. Seek better shelter.

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