2008 Tornado Deaths Rising

Posted by Maureen K. Fleury May 29, 2008

According to CNN, with the recent killer tornadoes that broke out in the Midwest on May 26th, the death toll is quickly catching up to 1953 where there were 519 deaths recorded.

In recent years, the average death rate has been 62. The 2008 death toll is currently the highest since 1998. Scientists predict that 2008 may not be a quiet year for tornadoes.

In a news story from Time on May 27th, scientists dispute the rumor that global warming is causing more tornadoes. If this was true, there would be more twisters in the far north and this is not the case.

Earlier this year, the influence of La Nina which is opposite to El Nino brought in cool air from the Pacific Ocean. This caused a rash of tornadoes in February. For the month of May, scientists believe that the cooler air at high altitudes is colliding with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico.

Meteorologists say that it is much harder to predict tornadoes than hurricanes. Hurricanes start out over the ocean and can be tracked for days. Tornadoes are caused by local weather conditions that can quickly change from day to day. In addition to the short lead-time in detecting tornadoes, the atmospheric conditions must be precise for a tunnel cloud to form.

Another reason for a higher death toll is the increase in people living in mobile homes. In 1970, only 3% lived in mobile homes and now it is 7.6 % with even a higher rate in Tornado Alley and in the Southeast.

We certainly hope that the predictions are not true and 2008 will turn out to be a quieter year for tornadoes.