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FOX Facts: Tornadoes

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

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FOX Facts: Tornadoes

—Some tornadoes form during the early stages of rapidly developing thunderstorms

—Occasionally, two or more tornadoes may occur at the same time.

—Tornadoes occur most frequently east of the Rocky Mountains

—Tornadoes occur most often during the spring and summer months

—In an average year, 800 tornadoes are reported nationwide

—In an average year, tornadoes result in 80 deaths and over 1,500 injuries nationwide

—The most violent tornadoes are capable of wind speeds of 250 mph or more

—Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long

Weak tornadoes

—"Weak" tornadoes account for 69 percent of all tornadoes

—Less than 5 percent of tornado deaths are attributed to "weak" tornadoes

—"Weak" tornadoes last about 1-10+ minutes

—"Weak" tornadoes have winds less than 110 mph

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Strong tornadoes

—29 percent of all tornadoes are classified as "strong"

—Nearly 30 percent of all tornado deaths are attributed to "strong" tornadoes

—"Strong" tornadoes may last 20 minutes or longer

—Tornadoes with winds 110-205 mph are considered "strong"

Violent tornadoes

—Only 2 percent of all tornadoes are considered "violent"

—70 percent of all tornado deaths are caused by "violent" tornadoes

—"Violent" tornadoes can exceed 1 hour long

—A "violent" tornado has winds greater than 205 mph

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The following data provides information on number of tornadoes and related deaths:

Through April 18: Roughly 561 tornadoes have been reported.

*January through April 2005: 237

*Three-year average, January through April 2003-2005: 214

(Source: National Weather Service)

Number of Tornadoes

January

2006: 45

2005: 33

2004: 3

February

2006: 15