NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CAUTIONS VIGILANCE DESPITE MODERATE START
TO 2001 TORNADO SEASON

March 28, 2001 — One year ago a pair of killer tornadoes ripped through Fort Worth, Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas, leaving five people dead and $450 million in damages. A year later, NOAA's National Weather Service is cautioning that a tornado's fury can strike anytime, anywhere. (Click on NOAA image for larger view.)

The tornadoes that hit Tarrant County last year, were two of 177 tornadoes that had struck the United States by the end of March 2000. At year's end—the total had climbed to only 898 (1998-2000 annual average: 1,254). By comparison, preliminary data from NOAA's National Weather Service shows only 49 tornadoes have been reported so far during 2001.

"While it is certainly gratifying to see so few tornadoes so far this year, we must remember that the severe storm season is just entering its more active period," said Bill Proenza, Southern Region director for the National Weather Service. "Traditionally, the most prolific tornado producing months are still ahead of us and, in fact, tornadoes can occur anytime, anyplace. So, we always have to keep our guard up and be prepared."

Of the five deaths that occurred during the March 28, 2000 Texas storms, two were directly attributed to the tornadoes and three were indirectly related. The storms also seriously damaged six commercial buildings and destroyed or damaged 1,700 homes.

Given the paths and the destructive power (winds in excess of 158 mph) of the tornadoes, loss of life was considered to be incredibly low. Local officials attribute the relatively small number of fatalities to the warning times (average is 15 minutes) provided by the local NWS Forecast Office in Fort Worth; and, the responsiveness of the emergency management community, the media and the public.

Based in part on preliminary data, a total of 6,604 tornadoes were reported in Texas between 1950 – 2000. During that 50 year period, Tarrant County experienced 64 tornadoes—but no tornado wind related deaths until the March 28, 2000 event.

Some of the deadliest Texas tornadoes in recent memory include the April 10, 1979 tornado that killed 45 people and injured more than 1,700 in Wichita Falls; the May 22, 1987 tornado that touched down south of Saragosa, killing 30 and injuring 121; and, the intense Jarrell tornado of May 27, 1997 that left 27 dead and 12 injured.

As the nation heads toward the peak months in the annual tornado cycle, a few safety tips could prove to be life savers when twisters threaten.

• In a home or building move to a basement shelter
• If basement shelter is unavailable, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under sturdy furniture
• Stay away from windows
• If caught in a vehicle, get out, seek shelter or lie flat in a ditch or depression
  Watch for flying debris
• In a mobile home leave and seek shelter

"Technological advances in the 1990's—especially the National Weather Service Doppler radar network and powerful new computer programs, coupled with specially trained storm spotters and experienced forecasters—have enabled us to increase the average warning lead times for tornadoes," said Proenza. "But all of this improved capability must be coupled with effective local emergency preparedness plans and education that improves the public's response during severe storm events. This combination continues to save lives across the U.S."

Occasionally, tornadoes will develop too quickly for a warning to be issued. Citizens should always be alert for tornado signs such as dark, greenish skies, large hail and a roar that sounds like an approaching train.

Relevant Web Sites
National Weather Service Southern Region

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center

NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory

FAST FACTS ABOUT TORNADOES

Researchers Developing Radar of the Future

Storm Prediction Center Helps Communities Better Prepare for Threats; Center's Two-Day Outlooks Now Rate Tornado, Hail and Wind Risk in Severe Thunderstorms

Tornado Statistics from NOAA's Storm Prediction Center

1950-1995 Tornado Long-Term Averages By State

Climate-Watch, March 2000

StormReady Program

NOAA's National Severe Storms Lab

All About Tornadoes, including the Fujita Scale

Tornadoes...Nature's Most Violent Storms

Vortex: Unraveling the Secrets

NOAA Weather Radio

Tornado Photos Online

NOAA's Weather Page

Media Contact:
Ron Trumbla, National Weather Service Southern Region, (817) 978-1111 ext. 140

 

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