Tornadoes in the US year by year since 2000. Number of annual fatalities caused by twisters

Meteorologists at the National Weather Service (NWS) are always on the lookout for tornadoes, which are one of the most violent and destructive natural events that can affect communities. These narrow, violently rotating columns of air are produced by powerful thunderstorms. Citizens should be vigilant and heed advisories issued by the NWS, which come in two forms: watches and warnings.

The number of tornados in the United States varies widely each year, and subsequently, so does the number of fatalities. The (NWS) estimates that around 1,200 tornados occur each year, and these violent storms are most common between March and June.

The dangers of climate change

Like all natural disasters, the deaths they cause are tragic. A study published in the last few years by scientists at Columbia University and Central Michigan University shows that as the earth warms, the conditions for tornados to materialize become more likely. Governments have two options that, critically, are not mutually exclusive. Take steps to reduce warming and ensure infrastructure in areas vulnerable to these disasters is strong enough to protect the residents who live in those areas.

Governments have two options that, critically, are not mutually exclusive. Take steps to reduce warming and ensure infrastructure in areas vulnerable to these disasters is strong enough to protect the residents who live in those areas. These steps are important as scientists have admitted that they are still working to understand the relationship between climate change and tornado trends. National Geographic reported on their conversations with scientists who said that one short-term investment that could be made by the government is to require mobile homes to be tied down. As tornados continue to hit areas in the south of the country where mobile homes are also increasing in popularity, residents face greater risk.