Progression of a well-anticipated high risk event across the Central Plains on April 14, 2012. This event ultimately produced 85tornadoes that day, one of which killed six people.
A high risk severe weather event is the greatest threat level issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) for convective weather events in the United States. On the scale from one to five, a high risk is a level five; thus, high risks are issued only when forecasters at the SPC are confident of a major severe weather outbreak. This is usually for major tornado outbreaks with numerous strong to violent tornadoes expected, and occasionally derechos with widespread destructive wind gusts, and these outlooks are typically reserved for the most extreme events.[1] They are generally only issued on the day of the event. However, there have been two occurrences (April 7, 2006, and April 14, 2012) of a high risk being issued for Day 2 of the outlook period (with the event occurring the following day). Under the official protocol, a high risk cannot be issued for Day 3 of the outlook period.[2]
1984 Carolinas tornado outbreak – Twenty-four tornadoes were confirmed; seven were rated F4. In addition to the 57 tornadic deaths, 1,249people were injured. This was and remained the deadliest official High Risk day (since SELS/SPC High Risk outlooks began) for over 27 years, surpassed by the Super Outbreak of April 27, 2011.[10]
Severe weather outbreak did not consolidate due to a lack of moisture and instability anticipated to develop.[69] Seven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.[95]
Thunderstorm complex early in the day prevented significant moisture from moving into the region and ultimately limited severe weather activity.[98] Thirteen tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.[99]
Only high risk ever issued in September. Squall line with damaging winds and some large hail.[111] Four weak tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F1.[112]
Major derecho event.[117] The Lynchburg, Virginia area was hit the hardest. The city had a wind gust to 80mph, with significant damage reported. Power was cut to 95% of the city.[118] Thirteen tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F1.[119] Only the 1900 UTC outlook had a high risk.
Only high risk ever issued in August.[citation needed] Twelve tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.[136] The same system also produced an F4 in Turtle Mountain, Manitoba in Canada.
Moderate tornado outbreak reorganized into a progressive derecho.[citation needed] Twenty tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3. High Risk was discontinued at 02Z.[152]
Tornado outbreak of April 6–9, 1998 – High Risk lasted the entire outlook cycle. F5 damage in suburban Birmingham. Fourteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F5.[157]
Late-May 1998 tornado outbreak and derecho – Only high risk ever issued in the Northeast (although it was discontinued and reduced to Moderate Risk at 1930Z, following a morning remnant derecho but prior to/concurrent with occurrence of afternoon into overnight severe weather outbreak).[citation needed] Forty-two tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F3.[165]
High Risk was issued 15Z and discontinued 02Z. Followed by a progressive derecho.[citation needed] Twenty-two tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated F1.[166]
Tornado outbreak of April 8–9, 1999 – High Risk was maintained through the day. Fifty-four tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F4. Some occurred overnight, outside the 01Z High Risk area.
1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak – High Risk was issued at 20Z and maintained thereafter. Highest winds ever recorded in a tornado, 301mph (484km/h);[171] seventy-three tornadoes were confirmed, including three F4s and one F5.
1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak – High Risk was issued 13Z and discontinued 01Z. Only streak of three consecutive High Risk days continuing to-date (2024). Major derecho event.[citation needed]
High Risk was maintained throughout the day; however, event failed to consolidate with only isolated tornadoes and scattered severe wind reported. A shortwaveridge maintained a capping inversion.[173]
2000–2009
There were no high risk days in 2000.
Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 2000–2009[nb 1][nb 2]
Tornadoes of 2001#April 6–7 – The high risk was issued at 0600Z and discontinued at 0100Z. A serial derecho formed, producing widespread wind damage. 162 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 12 hurricane force.[175] One person was killed by lightning in Ohio. Six tornadoes were also confirmed; two were rated F2.[176]
Tornado outbreak of April 10–11, 2001 – The high risk was issued at 1630Z and discontinued at 0000Z. Three people were killed by tornadoes. The event also featured the costly Tri-State hailstorm on the prior day. Thirty-three tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.[178]
Tornadoes of 2001#June 11–13 – The high risk was issued at 2000Z. A progressive derecho produced widespread wind damage, including a measured thunderstorm wind gust of 120 miles per hour (193km/h) near Atwater, Minnesota. 194 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 5 hurricane force.[180] Twenty-nine tornadoes were also confirmed; one was rated F2. However, some of the tornadoes were associated with landfalling Tropical Storm Allison, not the system that triggered the high risk. One of the tornadoes in Florida killed one person.[181]
The high risk was issued for only the 2000Z update. Thirty-two tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3. One person was killed by straight-line winds in Illinois.[183]
Tornadoes of 2001#October 24 – The high risk was maintained throughout the entire day. A significant tornado event was concentrated mostly in northern portions of the High Risk area, with nearly the entire High Risk area also experiencing a major serial derecho. One person was killed by straight-line winds in Michigan while another person was also killed in Tennessee. Twenty-five tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.[185] Over 446 damaging wind gusts were reported across 18 states, including 2 hurricane force.[186]
The high risk was issued at 0600Z update; it was removed at 2000Z outlook update due to concern over the extent of how favorable conditions would be for severe weather. However, the initiation of the most intense severe weather occurred after that time. Fourteen tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3. Widespread hail damage occurred and one person was killed by straight-line winds in Kansas.[188]
Only the 0600Z outlook included a high risk, which was for a significant wind event instead of tornadoes. This is the second consecutive High Risk issuance to be downgraded to a Moderate Risk before the expected onset of the highest severe weather potential; such a downgrade remains rare as of 2024. It is also the most recent use of a High Risk during the July through September period (typically a mid and late summer into very early fall minimum for such outlooks). No fatalities took place.[190] Three weak tornadoes were confirmed.[191]
Tornado outbreak of November 9–11, 2002 – This was the second and most intense day of a late fall tornado outbreak. The high risk was maintained throughout the entire day and is the only time since 1990 in which a fall High Risk was issued in back to back years (see October 24, 2001). The issuance of a High Risk at the initial 06Z Day 1 Outlook notably followed a Day 2 Outlook for the same period that did not contain a Moderate Risk area, as both Day 2 outlooks issued the day before included only an enhanced Slight Risk. This is the last time such an event has occurred as of 2024. Sixty-one tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4 (in Northwest Ohio, outside the high-risk area, where an concentrated outbreak of tornadoes also materialized – however a slightly separated tornado outbreak also occurred within the High Risk area, with the strongest tornadoes within the high-risk tornado outbreak area being rated F3). Thirty-one people were killed during the outlook period.[193][194]
Tornadoes of 2002#December 23–24 – One of only two high-risk ever issued in December and second latest in the year (first was December 24, 1982). The high risk was maintained throughout the entire day for both widespread wind damage and isolated strong tornadoes, but the day busted as a whole.[196] Fifteen tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F1.[197]
May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – The High Risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Seventy-nine tornadoes were confirmed; four were rated F4.[201]
May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – The High Risk was issued at 1630Z and discontinued at 01Z. Twenty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F3.[203]
May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – The High Risk was issued at 1630Z and expanded southward at 20Z, then fully discontinued at 01Z. Forty-five tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4 (occurring in the area not upgraded to a High Risk until 20Z).[205]
May 2003 tornado outbreak sequence – The High Risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Forty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated F3.[207] Also included 35% tornado probability area, above the 25% minimum threshold for a high risk.
The High Risk spanned the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. This day capped the only occurrence since 1994 of five High Risk days in a calendar month. Forty-seven tornadoes were confirmed; seven were rated F2.[209]
The High Risk was issued at 1630Z and discontinued at 01Z. Reorganized into a large serial derecho[citation needed] Twenty-five tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.[211]
May 2004 tornado outbreak sequence/2004 Hallam tornado – Sixty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4. The F4 tornado was the largest tornado on record at the time with a peak width of 2.5 miles (4.0km) as it struck Hallam, Nebraska.[213] This is the first time a High Risk did not appear until the 01Z outlook within an outlook cycle, which has occurred one additional time since (on April 30, 2010).
May 2004 tornado outbreak sequence – The High Risk lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. Also a major derecho event.[citation needed] Included a 45% sig risk for damaging winds, meeting High Risk criteria (for the time). Fifty-four tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F2.[215] 128 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 3 hurricane force.[216]
May 2004 tornado outbreak sequence – For the second consecutive May and the last occurrence to-date (2024), a fourth High Risk day was issued in an eight-day period. The High Risk lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. Eighty-six tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.[220] Included 35% tornado risk area above minimum threshold of 25%.
Mid-November 2005 tornado outbreak – The High Risk lasted the entire outlook cycle. Forty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4. This was the only violent tornado to be recorded in 2005.[226]
Tornado outbreak sequence of March 9–13, 2006 – The High Risk lasted the entire outlook cycle. Fifty-nine tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated F4.[228] One supercell storm tracked nearly 800 miles from Oklahoma to Michigan, producing many tornadoes along its path.
Tornado outbreak of April 6–8, 2006 – Only known high risk to include a 60% tornado contour, the highest level issued by the SPC.[232] It was also the first of only two known occurrences (the other being April 14, 2012) in which a Day 2 high risk outlook was issued, and the High Risk persisted for the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. This aforementioned Day 2 High Risk produced the first/only instance to date (2024) where a high risk was simultaneously in effect for both Day 1 (April 6) and Day 2. Forty-seven tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated F3.[233]
April 2007 nor'easter – The High Risk was issued at 20Z and subsequently maintained. However, only seven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF1.[237]
Tornado outbreak sequence of April 20–27, 2007 – The High Risk was issued at 20Z and subsequently maintained. Twenty-three tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3, although this all occurred outside the high risk area, which saw virtually no activity. The supercell that produced the EF3 tornado also produced an F4 tornado in Mexico before crossing the international border.[239]
Tornado outbreak of May 4–6, 2007 – The High Risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Ninety tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated EF3. Notably, an EF5 tornado related to the same system also occurred the day before, which was a Moderate Risk day. [241]
The High Risk was issued at 06Z and discontinued at 01Z. Reorganized into a moderate wind event.[citation needed] Included a 60% sig risk for damaging winds for the 1200z outlook before being switched back to a 30% sig tornado risk in the 1300z outlook. Twelve tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3.[243] 135 damaging gusts were reported. However, the 3 hurricane force wind gusts occurred in Missouri, outside the High Risk.[244]
2008 Super Tuesday tornado outbreak – The High Risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Sixty-three tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated EF4. [246] One EF4 tornado in Arkansas tracked over 120 miles. One of only two high risk issued in January or February since January 21, 1999, continuing to present, with the other being January 22, 2017.
Tornado outbreak of May 22–27, 2008 – The High Risk was issued at 20Z and subsequently maintained. Twenty-eight tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3.[250]
Tornado outbreak sequence of June 3–11, 2008 – The High Risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained. Also including a 60% significant severe wind probability which meets high risk standards. Forty tornadoes were confirmed; three were rated EF2.[254] 261 damaging wind gusts were reported including 10 hurricane-force which were up to 100mph, though many occurred south of the high risk.[255]
Eleven tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF2.[259] The High Risk was issued at 1630Z and, despite the maintenance of the high risk through the rest of the day, the outbreak busted as a whole.
†– Value is estimated
2010–2019
There were no high risk days in 2015, 2016, or 2018.
Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 2010–2019[nb 1]
Tornado outbreak of April 22–25, 2010 – A high risk was issued at 06Z issued for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. There were 39 tornadoes confirmed; two were rated EF4. One of the EF4 tornado was the second (then-first) widest in Mississippi state history, and the fourth-longest tracked in the state. The strongest tornadoes were in/near the High Risk area. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
Tornado outbreak of April 30 – May 2, 2010 – A high risk was issued on the first day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. For only the second known time a high risk was not issued until 0100 UTC (the other occurrence May 22, 2004). The eventual High Risk area was only in an enhanced slight risk prior to 20Z. This is the only day in which the area to eventually be in a high risk was not even in a moderate risk until 2000Z. There were 28 tornadoes confirmed; two were rated EF3.
Tornado outbreak of April 30 – May 2, 2010 – A high risk was issued at 13Z on the second day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes, and was subsequently maintained. Only 11 weak tornadoes were confirmed during the day, but several strong tornadoes, one of which was rated EF3, occurred overnight focused on the eastern portions of the High Risk area and into the bordering Moderate Risk. A major flood disaster also occurred from the same storm.
Tornado outbreak of May 10–13, 2010 – A high risk lasted the entire outlook cycle on the first day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. There were 70 tornadoes confirmed; two were rated EF4, both of which occurred around the west edge of the High Risk in the southern suburbs of the Oklahoma City metropolitan area and were responsible for the three fatalities during the outbreak.
Tornadoes of 2010#May 18–21 – A high risk was issued at 1630Z on the second day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. Overall, the event busted, only 13 weak tornadoes, seven of which were rated EF1, were confirmed in the area, although significant flooding occurred from the same storm system. The High Risk was discontinued at 01Z.
October 2010 North American storm complex – This was a major derecho event.[citation needed] The high risk was issued at 06Z based on 60% significant severe wind probability, with a tornado probability of 15% falling short of high-risk standards. There were 43 tornadoes confirmed; five were rated EF2. There were also 339 damaging wind reports including 7 hurricane-force gusts (many inside the High Risk) up to 85mph (137km/h).[268] The high risk was discontinued at 2000Z as the main activity was in the morning and early afternoon.
Tornado outbreak of April 14–16, 2011 – A high risk was issued at 1630Z on the third day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 58 tornadoes were confirmed; six were rated EF3, two of which had path lengths of over 50 miles (80km) with the first striking Raleigh, North Carolina (albeit at EF1 strength). The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z as the storms had mostly moved off the East Coast.
2011 Super Outbreak – A high risk was issued at 13Z and subsequently maintained on the second day of the record-setting aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. In the 1630z outlook, the wind risk was also upgraded to 60%, which meets high risk criteria.[271] There were 55 tornado touch downs during the day; one was rated EF3. 390 damaging wind gusts were also reported, including 5 hurricane gusts. Despite the abundance of tornadoes and wind reports, most of the severe activity happened either along and south of the southern part of the high-risk area or well to the east in the slight-risk area over Alabama.
2011 Super Outbreak – The High Risk lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle. This was day 3 of the record-setting aforementioned outbreak; this day alone set the record for most tornadoes in a 24-hour period. It was also the deadliest high-risk day on record as well as the deadliest single day outbreak in the United States since the Tri-State tornado outbreak on March 18, 1925. The outlook included a 45% significant tornado area that was introduced at 1630Z (the first instance of a 45% area being added prior to the 20Z outlook), which is above the minimum threshold for a high risk. It also produced the first known watch (PDS tornado watch 235) with a >95% probability for all severe and significant severe hazards.[273] The tornadoes came in three rounds starting with two damaging morning squall lines followed by an outbreak of large tornadic supercells. The strongest (violent EF4/EF5) tornadoes occurred in the high-risk area while dozens of other tornadoes were confirmed throughout the other risk areas. Three of the tornadoes tracked over 100 miles (160km), with one of them becoming the deadliest tornado ever recorded in Alabama. Several areas that had experienced tornadoes either from that morning or from other outbreaks earlier that year were struck again as well. There were 215 tornado touchdowns; four were rated EF5. An additional F0 tornado was confirmed in Canada.
Tornado outbreak sequence of May 21–26, 2011 – The High Risk was issued at 06Z and discontinued at 01Z. This was day 4 of the aforementioned outbreak sequence and included a 45% significant tornado area, above the minimum high-risk threshold. There were 47 tornado touchdowns; one (occurring within the High Risk over Oklahoma) was rated EF5. This EF5 occurred only two days after the devastating Joplin EF5 from the same overall storm sequence (which was on a Moderate Risk day). The two EF4 tornadoes that were confirmed that day may have also reached EF5 intensity. The high-risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
Tornado outbreak sequence of May 21–26, 2011 – A high risk was issued at 13Z on the fifth day of the aforementioned outbreak sequence for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 94 tornadoes were confirmed; one (which occurred inside of the High Risk) was rated EF4; three of the tornadoes were in California, well to the west of the main risk area. The high-risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
Tornado outbreak of March 2–3, 2012 – A high risk was issued at 13Z on the first day of the aforementioned outbreak for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 64 tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated EF4, both of which were produced by the same supercell, which also produced an EF3 tornado, all within the High Risk area. Another EF3 tornado tracked for over 80 miles (130km) through eastern Kentucky and southwestern West Virginia. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
Tornado outbreak of April 13–16, 2012 – This was day 2 of aforementioned outbreak; it was only the second high risk to be issued on Day 2 (the day before the event; first Day 2 high risk was for April 7, 2006) and the first/only to date ever issued on the initial (0600Z) Day 2 outlook.[277] It included 45% tornado probability above minimum threshold of 30%. This was the only day to have a 45% tornado area in its 06Z Day 1 Outlook (although that 45% area was north of most of the tornadoes; by 20Z the 45% area had been shifted southward and covered the region that ultimately saw the most/densest tornado activity). A total of 83 tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF4. The high risk largely busted in most of Oklahoma (except far northern and western) as the brunt of outbreak was focused in Kansas. The high risk was maintained for the entire Day 1 cycle (in addition to both Day 2 outlooks) in the regions where most of the tornadoes including the strongest tornadoes occurred (the southern end of the High Risk, which lacked storms due to capping until well into the night when a moderate squall line developed along the cold front as it overtook the dryline, was trimmed back to a Moderate Risk at 01Z).
June 12–13, 2013 derecho series – This is the latest date of a 'spring season' High Risk in the 21st century to date. The high risk was issued at 1630Z driven by 60% significant severe wind probability as the maximum tornado probability was a hatched 15% area, just short of the high risk level. A total of 19 tornadoes were confirmed; one was rated EF3. 278 damaging wind gusts were reported, including 4 hurricane force gusts, though most occurred over Ohio and were east of the high risk and near or after its 01Z discontinuation.[279] The high risk was discontinued at 01Z.
Tornado outbreak of November 17, 2013 – The high risk was initially issued at 06Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. This was an unusually far north tornado outbreak and one of only five high risk days during the month of November in recorded history (three since 2000).[282] Many Midwest cities (including Chicago, South Bend, and Fort Wayne) outside the climatologically most frequent High Risk locations experienced their second High Risk day of 2013. It was the second latest date in the year a high risk has been issued since 2000 (the latest was December 23, 2002, in the Deep South), and latest date a high risk has been issued in the Midwest, surpassing previous latest of November 15, 2005. It also included a high-risk level (60% significant severe) wind probability in the 2000Z outlook. In all, 77 tornadoes were confirmed; two were rated EF4, both occurring in the western portion of the High Risk area. 579 wind reports were also recorded, including 19 hurricane-force.[283] The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z; by that time, the storms had moved east of the areas that had been in that risk area.
Tornado outbreak of April 27–30, 2014 – This was a first day of the aforementioned outbreak. A small high-risk area was issued at the 2000Z outlook that included the cities of Little Rock, Camden, and Danville for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. An EF4 tornado were confirmed in the risk area before the high risk was discontinued in a special outlook update at 0230Z. The outlook period as a whole produced 18 tornadoes.[285]
Tornado outbreak of April 27–30, 2014 – This was the second day of the aforementioned outbreak. A high risk was issued at the 2000Z outlook for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. Numerous long-tracked and/or strong to violent tornadoes occurred across Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. It was the largest tornado outbreak in central Alabama since April 27, 2011. A total of 57 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period; one was rated EF4. The strongest tornadoes were in or nearby to the High Risk. This is the last occurrence of back to back high risk days for at least a decade (continuing as of May 2024; and three consecutive high risk days have not occurred in 25 years, since May 1999). The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.[287]
Tornadoes of 2014#June 3–4 – The high risk was issued at 2000Z for 60% wind probability and potential derecho; tornado probability was 10%, well short of high-risk level. Extreme hail/wind and some tornadoes were reported, although most of the activity remained along or south of the southern part of the high risk. Nine tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period; one tornado was rated EF3. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
Tornado outbreak of January 21–23, 2017 – This was the second day of the aforementioned outbreak. The high risk was issued at 13Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes, primarily in northern Florida and southern Georgia.[290] This was also the first high risk issued under the five-category system (which began in October 2014), and also the furthest southeast (Florida panhandle) a High Risk has been issued in the 21st century. There were 17 confirmed tornado touchdowns during the outlook period; one tornado, which was rated EF3, traveled over 70 miles (110km) and was over a 1 mile (1.6km) wide. There were six fatalities from tornadoes along with one non-tornadic death. The high risk was discontinued at 0100Z.
Tornadoes of 2017#April 2–3 – This was the first day of the aforementioned outbreak. The high risk was issued at 1630Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. Although most of the tornadoes that touched down were relatively weak and short-lived, seven of them were more than 1⁄2mi (0.80km) wide, including one that reached a peak width of just over 1+1⁄4mi (2.0km) wide, and multiple tornado emergencies were issued. 30 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period; six of them were rated EF2. The high-risk was discontinued at 0100Z.[292]
Tornadoes of 2017#April 4–6 – This was the second day of the aforementioned outbreak. The high risk was issued at 1630Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 26 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, four of which were rated EF2, although the tornadoes were mostly scattered throughout the risk areas rather than being concentrated within the high-risk area. One EF2 tornado in Georgia did prompt the issuance of a tornado emergency. The high risk was discontinued at around 0100Z.[294]
Tornado outbreak sequence of May 15–20, 2017 – This was day 4 of the outbreak sequence. The high risk was issued at 06Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes. A total of 58 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, three of which were rated EF2. However, only weak, scattered tornadoes were reported in the high-risk area, which saw a large area of heavy rain when the most favorable tornado parameters arrived; the strongest tornadoes occurred to the east of that area. The high risk was discontinued at 01Z.[296]
Tornado outbreak sequence of May 2019 – This was day 4 of the outbreak sequence. The high risk was initially issued at 06Z for a 30% probability of significant tornadoes; this risk area was subsequently expanded and upgraded to a 45% probability of significant tornadoes, exceeding the minimum high-risk criteria at the 1630Z outlook. This high risk produced the second known tornado watch with a >95% chance of all hazards (PDS Tornado Watch 199).[298] The event did not quite live up to the high parameters that were in place for the day with sustained supercells failing to develop in the 45% risk. However, 50 tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, many in/near the High Risk area and one of which was rated EF3 (one of the tornadoes was also well outside of the risk area in Arizona). The high risk lasted for the entire outlook period, although the 01Z outlook had only a much smaller High Risk area focusing on one lone supercell.[299]
†– Value is estimated *– Peak wind gust of 151mph (243km/h) measured during the EF5 El Reno tornado
2020–present
There were no high-risk days in 2020 or 2022.
Storm Prediction Center High Risk Events – 2020–2024[nb 1]
Tornado outbreak of March 16–18, 2021 – This was day 2 of the outbreak. The high risk, which lasted the entire Day 1 Outlook cycle, was initially issued for a 30%hatched area for tornadoes; this was upgraded to a 45%hatched area for tornadoes at 1606Z. A total of 40tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, four of which were rated EF2, although little tornado activity occurred within the 45% risk area.[301]
Tornado outbreak sequence of March 24–28, 2021 – This was day 2 of the outbreak sequence. The high risk was issued at 06Z for a 30%hatched area for tornadoes. A PDS tornado watch was issued, with a >95% chance for both tornadoes and strong tornadoes, and high probabilities for most other categories. Multiple tornado emergencies were issued for at least three different tornadoes. The high risk was discontinued at 01z and downgraded to an Enhanced risk as the storm system began weakening and the supercells began dying off, although the strongest tornado, which was rated EF4, took place a few hours after that time, and was east of where the High Risk had been in place in earlier outlooks. A total of 20tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period.[303]
Tornado outbreak of March 31 – April 1, 2023 – Two high risk zones were issued at 1630Z with 30%hatched areas for tornadoes. The northern of the two zones was discontinued at 01Z, whereas the southern zone was subsequently maintained. Multiple tornado emergencies and mass causality events were issued during the outbreak. A total of 136tornadoes were confirmed during the outlook period, one of which was rated EF4 and occurred in the northern High Risk area prior to its 01Z removal. This was the first instance of two separate high-risk areas since the initial 06Z outlook on April 14, 2012, and the first time in the 21st century in which the 1630Z and 20Z outlooks had separate high-risk zones. This was also the deadliest high-risk day since March 2, 2012.[citation needed]
Tornado outbreak of May 6–10, 2024 - A high-risk zone was issued at the 13Z outlook and subsequently maintained for a 30%hatched area for tornadoes.[305][307] 47 tornadoes were confirmed, including a violent EF4 tornado that struck Barnsdall and Bartlesville, Oklahoma after dark, occurring within the High Risk area in the 01Z outlook update and killing two people. However, all of the other tornadoes were weak, and the southern portion of the High Risk generally lacked tornado reports.
1 2 3 4 5 All values include events that took place outside the high-risk area(s). Tornado and fatality totals only include incidents that occurred on the respective high risk days. Fatality totals only include direct tornadic deaths.
↑ Starting on February 1, 2007, the Fujita Scale was replaced with the Enhanced Fujita Scale for rating tornadoes.
↑ This number reflects the number of tornadoes during the outlook period between 12Z on the day of the high risk to 12Z the next day.
Related Research Articles
The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is a US government agency that is part of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), operating under the control of the National Weather Service (NWS), which in turn is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States Department of Commerce (DoC).
There is a long history of destructive tornadoes in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The third-deadliest, and the costliest in United States history, the 1896 St. Louis–East St. Louis tornado, injured more than one thousand people and caused at least 255 fatalities in the City of St. Louis and in East St. Louis. The second-costliest tornado also occurred in St. Louis in September 1927. More tornado fatalities occurred in St. Louis than any other city in the United States. Also noteworthy is that destructive tornadoes occur in winter and autumn, as well as the typical months of spring. Additionally, damaging tornadoes occur in the morning and late at night, as well as the more common late afternoon to early evening maximum period.
The tornado outbreak of January 1–2, 2006, was one of the largest tornado outbreaks ever recorded in the month of January. The outbreak affected much of the Central and Southern United States and produced 20 tornadoes. The tornadoes caused considerable damage in the states of Kentucky and Georgia. There were no tornado related fatalities and only minor injuries were reported.
In weather forecasting in the United States, "particularly dangerous situation" (PDS) is enhanced wording used by the National Weather Service to convey special urgency in some watch or warning messages for unusually extreme and life-threatening severe weather events, above and beyond the average severity for the type of event. It is used in the format "This is a particularly dangerous situation..." at the discretion of the issuing forecaster. A watch or warning bearing the phrase is referred to as a PDS watch or PDS warning as shorthand jargon.
A tornado emergency is an enhanced version of a tornado warning, which is used by the National Weather Service (NWS) in the United States during imminent, significant tornado occurrences in highly populated areas. Although it is not a new warning type from the NWS, issued instead within a severe weather statement or in the initial tornado warning, a tornado emergency generally means that significant, widespread damage is expected to occur and a high likelihood of numerous fatalities is expected with a large, strong to violent tornado.
From May 3 to May 11, 2003, a prolonged and destructive series of tornado outbreaks affected much of the Great Plains and Eastern United States. Most of the severe activity was concentrated between May 4 and May 10, which saw more tornadoes than any other week-long span in recorded history; 335 tornadoes occurred during this period, concentrated in the Ozarks and central Mississippi River Valley. Additional tornadoes were produced by the same storm systems from May 3 to May 11, producing 363 tornadoes overall, of which 62 were significant. Six of the tornadoes were rated F4, and of these four occurred on May 4, the most prolific day of the tornado outbreak sequence; these were the outbreak's strongest tornadoes. Damage caused by the severe weather and associated flooding amounted to US$4.1 billion, making it the costliest U.S. tornado outbreak of the 2000s. A total of 50 deaths and 713 injuries were caused by the severe weather, with a majority caused by tornadoes; the deadliest tornado was an F4 that struck Madison and Henderson counties in Tennessee, killing 11. In 2023, tornado expert Thomas P. Grazulis created the outbreak intensity score (OIS) as a way to rank various tornado outbreaks. The tornado outbreak sequence of May 2003 received an OIS of 232, making it the fourth worst tornado outbreak in recorded history.
From April 13 to 16, 2012, a major tornado outbreak occurred across a large portion of the Great Plains. The storms resulted in six tornado-related fatalities, all of which occurred as a result of a nighttime EF3 tornado that caused major damage in and around Woodward, Oklahoma. Numerous other tornadoes occurred, including a violent EF4 tornado that passed near Marquette, Kansas, and an EF3 that caused major damage in Wichita.
This page documents notable tornadoes and tornado outbreaks worldwide in 2020. Strong and destructive tornadoes form most frequently in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Bangladesh, and eastern India, but can occur almost anywhere under the right conditions. Tornadoes also develop occasionally in southern Canada during the Northern Hemisphere's summer and somewhat regularly at other times of the year across Europe, Asia, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Tornadic events are often accompanied by other forms of severe weather, including strong thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. There were 1,243 preliminary filtered reported tornadoes in 2020 in the United States in 2020, and 1,086 confirmed tornadoes in the United States in 2020. Worldwide, at least 93 tornado-related deaths were confirmed with 78 in the United States, eight in Vietnam, two each in Canada, Indonesia, and Mexico, and one in South Africa.
Hurricane Laura was a deadly and destructive Category 4 hurricane that is tied with the 1856 Last Island hurricane and 2021's Hurricane Ida as the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the U.S. state of Louisiana, as measured by maximum sustained winds. The twelfth named storm, fourth hurricane, and first major hurricane of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Laura originated from a large tropical wave that moved off the West African coast on August 16 and became a tropical depression on August 20. Laura intensified into a tropical storm a day later, becoming the earliest twelfth named storm on record in the North Atlantic basin, forming eight days earlier than 1995's Hurricane Luis.
Hurricane Marco was the first of two tropical cyclones to threaten the Gulf Coast of the United States within a three-day period. The thirteenth named storm and third hurricane of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Marco developed from a fast-moving tropical wave west of the Windward Islands and south of Jamaica on August 20. The fast motion of the wave inhibited intensification initially, but as the wave slowed down and entered a more favorable environment, the system developed into a tropical depression, which in turn rapidly intensified into a strong tropical storm. Due to strong wind shear, Marco's intensification temporarily halted. However, after entering the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico on August 23, Marco briefly intensified into a hurricane, only to quickly weaken later that evening due to another rapid increase in wind shear. Marco subsequently weakened to a tropical depression before degenerating into a remnant low early the next morning. Marco's remnants subsequently dissipated on August 26.
Hurricane Sally was a destructive and slow-moving Atlantic hurricane that was the first hurricane to make landfall in the U.S. state of Alabama since Ivan in 2004, coincidentally on the same date in the same place. The eighteenth named storm and seventh hurricane of the extremely active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Sally developed from an area of disturbed weather which was first monitored over the Bahamas on September 10. The system grew a broad area of low-pressure on September 11, and was designated as a tropical depression late that day. Early the next day, the depression made landfall at Key Biscayne and subsequently strengthened into Tropical Storm Sally that afternoon. Moderate northwesterly shear prevented significant intensification for the first two days, but convection continued to grow towards the center and Sally slowly intensified. On September 14, a center reformation into the center of the convection occurred, and data from a hurricane hunter reconnaissance aircraft showed that Sally had rapidly intensified into a strong Category 1 hurricane. However, an increase in wind shear and upwelling of colder waters halted the intensification and Sally weakened slightly on September 15 before turning slowly northeastward. Despite this increase in wind shear, it unexpectedly re-intensified, reaching Category 2 status early on September 16 before making landfall at peak intensity at 09:45 UTC on September 16, near Gulf Shores, Alabama, with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph (180 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 965 millibars (28.5 inHg). The storm rapidly weakened after landfall before transitioning into an extratropical low at 12:00 UTC the next day. Sally's remnants lasted for another day as they moved off the coast of the Southeastern United States before being absorbed into another extratropical storm on September 18.
Tropical Storm Beta was a tropical cyclone that brought heavy rainfall, flooding, and severe weather to the Southeastern United States in September 2020. The twenty-third tropical depression and twenty-third named storm of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Beta originally formed from a trough of low pressure that developed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico on September 10. The low moved slowly southwestward, with development hampered initially by the development of nearby Hurricane Sally. After Sally moved inland over the Southeastern United States and weakened, the disturbance became nearly stationary in the southwestern Gulf, where it began to organize. By September 16, the storm had gained a low-level circulation center and had enough organization to be designated as Tropical Depression Twenty-Two. The system held its intensity for a day due to the influence of strong wind shear and dry air, before eventually attaining tropical storm strength. It slowly moved northward and intensified to a mid-range tropical storm before dry air and wind shear halted its intensification. Beta then became nearly stationary on September 19, before starting to move west towards the Texas coast the next day, weakening as it approached. On September 21, Beta made landfall near Matagorda Peninsula, Texas as a minimal tropical storm. It subsequently weakened to a tropical depression the next day before becoming post-tropical early on September 23. Its remnants moved northeastward, before the center elongated and merged with a cold front early on September 25.
The effects of Hurricane Laura in Louisiana were extensive and historic. Laura was tied with the 1856 Last Island hurricane and Hurricane Ida as the strongest hurricane on record to make landfall in the U.S. state of Louisiana in terms of wind speed. It was the twelfth named storm, fourth hurricane, and first major hurricane of the extremely active 2020 Atlantic hurricane season. It made landfall on August 27, 2020 near Cameron, Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane. Within Louisiana, the storm killed 33 people and caused around $17.5 billion in damage. Laura brought extremely high winds that ripped roofs off houses and brought a storm surge of up to 18 feet (5.5 m) to areas in Cameron Parish.
Hurricane Delta was the record-tying fourth named storm of 2020 to make landfall in Louisiana, as well as the record-breaking tenth named storm to strike the United States in that year. The twenty-sixth tropical cyclone, twenty-fifth named storm, tenth hurricane, and third major hurricane of the record-breaking 2020 Atlantic hurricane season, Delta formed from a tropical wave which was first monitored by the National Hurricane Center (NHC) on October 1. Moving westward, the tropical wave began to quickly organize. A well-defined center of circulation formed with sufficiently organized deep convection on October 4, and was designated as Tropical Depression Twenty-six and soon thereafter, Tropical Storm Delta. Extremely rapid intensification ensued throughout October 5 into October 6, with Delta becoming a Category 4 hurricane within 28 hours of attaining tropical storm status. The rate of intensification was the fastest in the Atlantic basin since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. After peaking in intensity however, an unexpected increase in wind shear and dry air quickly weakened the small storm before it made landfall in Puerto Morelos, Mexico as a Category 2 hurricane with 105 mph (169 km/h) winds. It weakened some more over land before emerging into the Gulf of Mexico, where it was downgraded to a Category 1 hurricane. After that, it began to restrengthen, regaining Category 3 status late on October 8. It then turned northward and reached a secondary peak intensity of 953 mbar (28.14 inHg) and winds of 120 mph early on October 9. Delta then began to turn more north-northeastward into an area of cooler waters, higher wind shear, and dry air, causing it to weaken back to Category 2 status. Delta then made landfall at 23:00 UTC near Creole, Louisiana with winds of 100 mph (160 km/h) and a pressure of 970 mbar (29 inHg). The storm began to weaken more rapidly after landfall, becoming post-tropical just 22 hours later.
This page documents notable tornadoes and tornado outbreaks worldwide in 2021. Strong and destructive tornadoes form most frequently in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Bangladesh, and Eastern India, but can occur almost anywhere under the right conditions. Tornadoes also develop occasionally in southern Canada during the Northern Hemisphere's summer and somewhat regularly at other times of the year across Europe, Asia, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Tornadic events are often accompanied by other forms of severe weather, including strong thunderstorms, strong winds, and hail. Worldwide, 150 tornado-related deaths were confirmed with 103 in the United States, 28 in China, six in the Czech Republic, four in Russia, three in Italy, two in India, and one each in Canada, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Turkey.
A significant tornado outbreak sequence took place from March 24–28, 2021 in the Southern United States, just one week after another outbreak affected similar regions. There were 43 tornadoes confirmed across 11 states, with the bulk of activity primarily on March 25, which resulted in the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) issuing its second high-risk outlook for the month of March, as well as the second high-risk outlook for 2021. Several intense tornadoes touched down on that day, including ones that prompted the issuance of rare tornado emergencies near Hoover, Alabama, Brent and Centreville, Alabama, and in the Newnan, Georgia area. March 27 also saw widespread tornado activity mainly across East Texas, Southern Arkansas, Louisiana, and Western Tennessee with several strong tornadoes touching down. Scattered to widespread wind and hail damage occurred throughout the outbreak sequence, and repeated rounds of heavy rain caused widespread severe flash and river flooding across much of Tennessee.
From April 25 to 28, 2024, a very large, deadly and destructive tornado outbreak occurred across the Midwestern, Southern, and High Plains regions of the United States, primarily on April 26 and 27. On April 26, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) first issued an enhanced risk for the Plains, as a broad upper-trough moved eastwards, with strong tornadic activity erupting in the states of Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas later that day. A high-end EF3 tornado struck the northeastern outskirts of Lincoln, Nebraska in Lancaster County, injuring three people. A long-tracked low-end EF4 tornado caused widespread severe damage in Elkhorn and near Bennington and Blair, and prompted the issuance of two tornado emergencies. Another EF3 tornado moved through parts of both Omaha and Council Bluffs, Iowa as well as points northeast, injuring four more people. Another long-tracked EF3 tornado moved directly through Minden, Iowa, killing one person and injuring three others, prompting the issuance of two more tornado emergencies. An EF2 tornado also moved through Pleasant Hill just southeast of Des Moines, injuring one person.
References
↑ Chris Hayes Novy (March 25, 2010). "SPC and its Products: Convective Outlooks". Storm Prediction Center. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 15, 2013.
↑ Badgett, Phillip; Smith, Barrett; Blaes, Jonathan; Gonski, Rod & Keeter, Kermit (March 18, 2009). "March 28, 1984 Carolina's Tornado Outbreak". National Weather Service Office in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State University. Retrieved June 18, 2013.
↑ "May 31, 1998 Tornado List". National Climatic Data Center. Tornado History Project. 2013. Archived from the original on 2019-11-11. Retrieved June 17, 2013.
↑ "Tornado Outbreak April 28–29, 2014". National Weather Service office in Birmingham, Alabama. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. May 2, 2014. Retrieved May 3, 2014.
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