A disconcerting finding in the study is that for many of the most tornadic states in the U. S, a sizable number of tornadoes occur at night. One-third to just under one-half of all tornadoes in 11 states from Oklahoma to West Virginia from 1950 to 2005 touched down at night, according to the study. The peak state was 46% in Tennessee.
It comes in the middle of the night, enveloping your neighborhood with dangerous winds, swirling debris, and possibly deadly consequences. Nocturnal tornadoes, as they are called, are like nightmares that have come to life. They strike under the cover of darkness and are often among the most deadly weather phenomenon.
Tornadoes, however, are much more likely during the day, especially during the late afternoon and early evening, not at night. Tornadoes are also much more common in the spring than in the summer in most parts of the country. How can PECAN help us understand nocturnal thunderstorms?
Although they can occur at any time of the day or night, most tornadoes form in the late afternoon. By this time the sun has heated the ground and the atmosphere enough to produce thunderstorms. Tornadoes form when warm, humid air collides with cold, dry air. What state has the most tornadoes?
When are tornadoes most likely to happen?
Tornadoes can form at any time of year, but most occur in the spring and summer months along with thunderstorms. May and June are usually the peak months for tornadoes. Notice that the location with the highest number of thunderstorms does not match the location with the highest number of tornadoes.
Another common query is “What are the signs a tornado is coming?”.
You can also see the cloud begin to approach the ground. Another common sign that a tornado is coming is a big cloud of debris, which usually hides the funnel cloud. If you notice a cloud of debris, it’s wise to find a safe escape route and head to an emergency shelter. If you hear a very loud blast in the sky, run for cover.