Snow season is slowly retreating; Tornado season is fast approaching

[demtenjeep]

Had Tornado Alley become a thing of the past? Meteorologists and weather researchers were asking that question as the 1980s came to a close. The last half of the decade had seen the number of tornadoes drop dramatically — even in Kansas.

"And most of those were weak ones," weather researcher Jon Davies said.

That all changed March 13, 1990.

A massive outbreak erupted in the heart of Tornado Alley, producing at least 60 tornadoes from Texas to Illinois.

http://www.kansas.com/2010/03/07/1213543/1990-tornadoes-increased-awareness.html

[demtenjeep]

1. what day do you think the first one will hit?

I hate tornadoes

[Ex Lurker]

6. Today, Elk City, Oklahoma n/t

[Individualist]

2. The Climate Prediction Center says El Nino will continue to influence weather

for several months. Read more here - http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/environment/global-warming/El-Nino-to-have-big-impact-to-run-into-summer/articleshow/5422312.cms

The last time there was a major El Nino (1997/'98), storms were more severe than usual here in northeast TN, and several tornadoes touched down in June.

[MadHound]

3. Let us hope the number of large storms in the Midwest is few this year

We are grossly overloaded with water. We have had two years with lots and lots of rain, and this past winter again saw lots of snow, ice and rain. We need to dry out a bit, quickly. Right now we are have the same sort of conditions that led to the record flooding of '93. We don't need to repeat that experience again.

As far as tornadoes go, bring them on. I love the power and fury of these storms. I've lived through eight of them, and while they are quite destructive, there is also something magnificent about them as well.

[demtenjeep]

4. They are magnificent

but I lost a friend in the 91 tornado and many of my other friends lost their homes.


I hate hate hate storms

[Berserker]

5. We had a tornado

In Minnesota March 29, 1998, in Minnesota where there is still snow on the ground at that time.

[Ex Lurker]

7. here in the south, they happen year round

we've had them every month of the year.

[BadgerKid]

8. It was almost the first tornado-free Februrary.

California ruined it with a weak one (EF-0 rated).

[MuseRider]

9. Ahh the season!

My favorite, I love the storms but not the damage and loss of a tornado. But still, they are things to behold. Those enormous cells that crawl across the prairie. I just took a Storm Spotters class this evening. I am now ready for the season.

We have had tornadoes in every month of the year but soon will be the big time, May and June. I have heard from numerous reports that this year is expected to be a big one for those strong storms and tornadoes.

Time to put new batteries in the radio and prepare the shelter (we rarely use it, it is too much fun to go up on the tower of the house and watch).