A terrifying tornado outbreak over the weekend that killed six people, injured dozens and left thousands without power made this the third consecutive December with a spate of deadly tornadoes.
Tornadoes can happen during any month of the year in the United States, but emerging research suggests that as the climate warms, an increasing number of tornadoes may strike during traditionally cooler months.
A powerful storm system struck Tennessee on Saturday, spawning multiple tornadoes across the state. Nashville and the town of Clarksville were hardest hit.
Strong and changing winds at different heights in the atmosphere, also known as wind shear, were a key ingredient that fueled this weekend’s tornado outbreak, promoting “spin” in the atmosphere to form tornadoes. That combined with warmer-than-average temperatures — as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than average in some areas — to create tornado conditions.
The National Weather Service in Nashville confirmed that a 150 mph EF3 tornado ripped through the area, carving a 43-mile path into Kentucky. Tornadoes are classified according to what’s known as the Enhanced Fujita Scale. The weakest tornadoes, EF0 and EF1, have winds of up to 110 mph and typically cause relatively light damage. The most powerful tornadoes, EF5s, have winds above 200 mph and usually cause catastrophic damage.
The Clarksville tornado killed two adults and one child, and injured more than 60 others. Forecasters said the tornado was on the ground for over an hour, adding that it was the strongest confirmed tornado of the outbreak so far. Surveys are ongoing to determine how many other tornadoes touched down during the storm.
An EF2 tornado with maximum estimated winds of 125 mph was also confirmed by the National Weather Service in Nashville. This tornado caused damage in Madison, Hendersonville and Gallatin — all communities located northeast of Nashville.
The weekend’s tornado outbreak adds to a growing trend of deadly tornado…
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