For those that believe the environment is escalating towards more and more deadly storms because of global warming, this news may come as a shock. This year is on track to set a record-low for the number of Americans killed by tornadoes.
Just ten Americans were killed by tornadoes in 2018, that is the lowest number of tornado deaths since unofficial records began in 1875. This is according to data from NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory. The previous record low was 12 tornado deaths in 1910 and the next lowest number of deaths was 15 in 1986.
There are an average of 69 people are killed by tornadoes in the U.S. each year, based on 30 years of data from the National Weather Service. This year was also the first time since 1950 that no “violent” tornadoes hit the U.S.
The Weather Channel reported that the lack of tornado-related deaths correlates to the lack of strong tornadoes in 2018.
“Accurate and timely watches and warnings – including cellphone alerts – supported in part by improved radar technology play a major role in saving lives throughout the tornado season,” NOAA spokesman Chris Vaccaro told USA Today.
Deadly tornadoes typically rate on the higher-end of twisters, such as EF3 and EF5, on the Enhanced Fujita scale for tornado intensity.
But there was an EF1-rated twister, however, that killed one person in Lawrence County, Mo., on Dec. 1.
Only 10 EF4 tornadoes were confirmed to hit in the U.S. as of early December and no tornadoes have reached EF4 or EF5 intensity this year, according to data.
The U.S. typically averages 30 EF3 or stronger tornadoes every year.
The only EF4 tornado to touch down in North America was in southern Manitoba, Canada on Aug. 10.
What do you make of this data? Do it surprise you? We look forward to seeing your comments in the section below this article.
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