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Friday morning the Huntsville area experienced strong thunderstorms that included be heavy rain and strong winds.
While Saturday is predicted to be a nice sunny day with temperatures in the upper 60s, Sunday there will be more heavy rain and storms in the afternoon. At the moment tornado threats are low. However spring is notorious for tornado weather.
“I’m terrified of tornadoes,” said junior Sean Shell.
The traditional red zone for tornadoes is in Tornado Alley. This area is known for having many tornadoes a year.
Its core is northern Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma but tornados can occur anywhere in the United States. According to tornadoalley.com, about 1,000 tornados hit the United States every year, on average.
While tornado Alley makes up a signifigant portion o f these tornadoes, the Tenessee Valley sees its fair share of the powerful storms each spring.
“Statically the Tennessee Valley is not prone to tornadoes but our local topography could contribute to our amount of tornadoes,” said Environmental teacher Mr. Johnson.
The most notable tornado outbreak that affected the Tennessee Valley was on April 25th – 28th 2011, one of the largest tornado outbreaks in Alabama and Mississippi history.
It also hit Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. According to the National Weather Service, about 358 tornados had hit during that three-day period. The most active tornado outbreak was on April 27th, when around 211 tornados had touched the ground. According to Washingtonpost.com, a total 348 people were killed.
“I guess we’re experienced with tornados from the April 27th tornados, so we’re prepared. But personally I’m not really phased by tornadoes,” said senior Menna Barakem.
Tornadoes can touch the ground anywhere in the United States.
The safest place to be during a tornado is underground in a basement or storm shelter.
They can destroy anything in its path. That is why it is important to stay inside and be prepared when tornado season finally comes to Madison.
