As severe weather threatens parts of the Plains late this afternoon and into the night, experts are warning of the heightened risk of dangerous tornadoes, particularly after nightfall. A recent study from 2022 revealed that nighttime tornadoes are twice as likely to be deadly compared to those occurring during the day.
Analysis of tornado data from 1950 to 2019 showed that while nighttime tornadoes accounted for less than a third of all tornadoes, they were responsible for a staggering 42% of tornado-related fatalities. In contrast, advancements in science and communication have led to a 20% decrease in daytime tornado fatalities since the late 1800s.
However, the study also highlighted a troubling trend - nighttime tornado fatalities have actually increased by 20% over the same period. Researchers attribute this rise to various factors, including geographical location and the construction of homes in tornado-prone areas. Yet, the most significant issue remains the fact that a significant portion of the population is asleep at night, potentially missing crucial life-saving warnings.
To mitigate the risks associated with nocturnal tornadoes, it is essential for individuals to have multiple ways of receiving severe weather alerts. Ensuring that emergency alerts are enabled on smartphones, keeping devices charged, and setting alarms at a loud volume are simple yet effective strategies to stay informed and prepared during a tornado threat.
