This Spring Is Forecast To Be The Most Active Tornado Season Colorado Has Seen In Years
By Annie
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Published May 12, 2019
As we recently discussed , Colorado is part of the infamous tornado alley, which is a section of the United States that is more prone to severe weather and tornado outbreaks. Unfortunately, Colorado has already experienced a few of these often damaging storms, meaning severe weather season has begun and may be one of the most active we have seen in years.
While tornado season does not usually begin until late April, Colorado's started a month early, with one touching down in Weld County on March 22nd and another hitting El Paso County on March 29th.
The March 22nd storm was the first March tornado Colorado has seen in 12 years.
According to AccuWeather , the US should expect an upward of 1,075 tornadoes in 2019, citing "warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures over the Gulf of Mexico will lead to increased moisture transport from the Gulf over the region and ultimately a higher frequency of severe weather in these areas."
The Tornado Alley states predicted to see the most storms are Texas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Kansas, but -- according to their maps -- Eastern Colorado will receive some of these severe storms as well.
Should we worry? According to the Washington Post , no, as it is hard to predict severe storms until a few days before.
According to the article, AccuWeather is "simply being very unscientific," citing "It misleads the public into thinking we know more than we do so far in advance."
On average, Colorado sees an upward of 52 tornadoes a year, making it the 10th most active state in the country.
Pictured is some of the aftermath from the devastating 2008 Windsor tornado.
What causes tornadoes? Most form from thunderstorms, which mesh with warm updrafts and cool downdrafts, resulting in these strong rotations.
Will Colorado see more than 52 tornadoes this year (especially since we began seeing these storms in March)? Only time will tell, but always stay aware of weather conditions and have a safe place to go in the event that AccuWeather's predictions are correct.
To learn even more about severe weather in Colorado, click on The History Of Tornadoes In Colorado Will Shock You .
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