More severe weather is expected in the South. Should Charlotte be on tornado watch?
After tornadoes devastated much of the central and southern U.S., more severe weather is expected this week.
Severe weather could include tornadoes, large hail and damaging wind gusts, and is expected to impact around 48 million people in more than a dozen states, according to the National Weather Service. North Carolina, however, is not included in the forecast.
Twisters often occur in an area in the central U.S. known as Tornado Alley, “where there is high potential for tornado development” due to the prevalence of violent thunderstorms, according to AccuWeather.
Unlike the Midwest and deep South, North Carolina has only seen a handful of tornadoes in the last decade, including a few in the Charlotte area.
Why aren’t tornadoes common in NC?
Compared to the Midwest, tornadoes are not as common in North Carolina because it “lacks the ingredients” for the development of supercells, National Weather Service Meteorologist Scott Krentz said.
A supercell is a type of thunderstorm that can produce severe weather, including damaging winds, large hail and violent tornadoes, according to the NWS.
“To get these tornado systems, you need organized storms, especially with some type of funnel system,” Krentz explained. “We just don’t get the funnel systems after mid-May.”
In North Carolina, tornadoes usually occur in from mid-March to mid-May, Krentz said, adding that the severity of tornado season can be tough to foresee, since forecasters can only predict them six days in advance.
How prevalent are tornadoes in the Charlotte?
Tornadoes are rare in the Charlotte area.
There have been four twisters reported in Mecklenburg County since 2012, with the latest last July, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Storm Events Database.
Prior to that, a tornado occurred on May 23 in the Hickory Grove area, according to the database. It traveled 3.7 miles and caused an estimated $20,000 in property damage.
What are the signs of a tornado?
According to the NWS, a developing tornado may include these indicators:
Rotating funnel-shaped cloud
Approaching cloud of debris
Dark or green-colored sky
Large, dark, low-lying cloud
Large hail
A loud roar that sounds like a freight train
If you notice any of these signs, you should take cover immediately and monitor local media for weather alerts.
How to prepare for a tornado
Here are some ways you can prepare for a tornado, according to the CDC:
Identify the safest place to take shelter in your house, such as storm cellar, basement or inside room without windows.
Create and practice a tornado emergency plan.
Write down important phone numbers, including emergency numbers, insurance policy types and vehicle registration information.
Store important documents in a safe location
Prepare an emergency supplies kit, with items for first aid, water and food
Remove possible hazards, like heavy items stored on high shelves.
