Severe weather awareness: Tornadoes and thunderstorms

Although Florida is not often associated with tornadoes, they occur more frequently than thought. Most tornadoes are short-lived and small, and occur during the wet season, from May to October. These tornadoes are often classified EF0 or EF1, with winds less than 110 mph.

Winds at these speeds could produce uprooted trees, broken tree branches, collapsed power lines and minor roof damage. But a low-category tornado can destroy mobile homes and destroy patio and pool enclosures.
Florida has also experienced a fair share of catastrophic tornadoes, storms that have been bigger, longer in duration and more intense, claiming the lives of dozens of people and destroying homes and other structures.

This was the case during the Feb. 22, 1998, tornado outbreak, which left 42 people dead, destroyed over 500 structures and caused millions of dollars in damage. There were a total of three tornadoes at the time, two of them classified EF2 and one EF3, with wind gusts up to 165 mph. Also, the Groundhog tornado outbreak on Feb. 2, 2007, caused 21 fatalities, all in mobile homes. It was an EF3 tornado that crossed Central Florida.

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Storms are enhanced during the winter months when Southern Oscillation of El Niño is present.

In 2016, the southeast United States, including Florida, has experienced multiple rounds of severe thunderstorms, which have spawned record numbers of tornadoes across the region.

Thunderstorms spawn tornadoes and give much less warning time than hurricanes. Staying aware of weather could make the difference between surviving a tornado or not. It is crucial to have at least three ways of receiving weather alerts all the time, but especially during severe weather.

Tornado tips

• Leave mobile homes ahead of the storm arriving.
• Stay inside, away from doors and windows.
• Bike helmets can provide great protection from flying debris.
• It is best to take shelter in a basement.
• If there is no basement, take shelter in the lowest, most central room of your house, away from windows and doors.

Tornadoes can't be predicted, but meteorologists do know when the weather conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes.
Not all thunderstorms spawn tornadoes but all tornadoes are spawned by severe thunderstorms. You should always be informed about the changing weather. Watch for signs of changing weather, such as darkening skies, lightning flashes and increasing, changing winds.
If you hear a roar, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough be struck by lightning.

Know the difference between a watch and a warning.

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Severe thunderstorm warnings are issued by the local National Weather Service office when winds measure 58 mph or more, or when quarter-sized hail or larger.%

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Our WFTV Weather app is a reliable source to receive the alerts issued by the National Weather Service. You will receive them right to your mobile device as soon as they are issued, wherever you are. Download it here.

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