Climate Fact: Wind, Rain, Tornadoes, Oh My
Along with heavy rains and high winds, the impacts of landfalling hurricanes and tropical storms also include more tornado formation. The larger the tropical cyclone and the longer it spends over land, the greater the probability that tornadoes will form as the system moves. Since 1995 in the Gulf of Mexico, hurricane strength has increased 35 percent compared to the 16 year period spanning 1948-1964 (considered to be the last active period for hurricanes). This increase in storm strength has corresponded to twice as many tornadoes produced per cyclone.
Seasons: Summer, Fall
Sources: Belanger, JI et al. “Variability in tornado frequency associated with U.S. landfalling tropical cyclones.” Geophysical Research Letters 36 (2009): L17805 and “Tornado Threat Increases As Gulf Hurricanes Get Larger.” ScienceDaily. 10 Sept. 2009. Web. 14 September 2009 <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908103625.htm>.
