A record-long streak with no tornado-related deaths in the United States ended Saturday.
Preliminary information from the National Weather Service has determined that an EF2 tornado touched down in southern Logan County, Kentucky, killing one person near Dot. That marks the first tornado fatality in the U.S. since May 16, 2017.
A separate storm-related death near Knobel, Arkansas, on Saturday was also caused by a tornado. The NWS has determined that an EF1 tornado was to blame for the damage and fatality at that location.
Until Saturday, a total of 283 days went by without a twister taking a life, which easily beats the previous record-long streak of 219 days set June 25, 2012, through Jan. 29, 2013. Before that, the record was a 197-day span that ended Feb. 28, 1987.
Although tornadoes of any intensity can be deadly, higher-end rated twisters (EF3 to EF5) have historically killed a larger percentage of people. About 83 percent of the deaths from 2000 through 2013 were from tornadoes rated EF3 or stronger, according to data from Dr. Greg Forbes of The Weather Channel.
The largest percentage of tornado deaths are caused by twisters rated EF3-EF5.
The fewer number of tornadoes compared to average and the lack of tornadoes EF3 or stronger in the past nine months possibly played some role in the record-long streak.
Tornadoes can strike any time of the year but typically peak in the spring months. Now is the time to make sure you a have an action plan for protection this year and in future.
An average of 71 people have been killed annually by tornadoes (1987-2016).
The NWS says that nearly 40 percent of all tornado deaths have historically occurred in mobile homes. A little more than half of the deaths in 2017 (19 of 34) were in mobile homes.
Residents of these types of homes should abandon them in favor of a sturdy building during severe weather. This alternative structure should be a part of a severe weather plan that is identified well in advance.
by Chris Dolce
February 25, 2018
