Tennessee Tornado Stats by Decade

[Thundersnow]

Interesting write-up from OHX:  Tennessee Tornadoes; Decadal Totals

Tennessee Tornadoes; Decadal Totals

Bobby Boyd
Meteorologist
National Weather Service
Nashville, Tennessee

From January 1st, 1950 through December 31st, 2009 there have been 997 tornadoes documented in Tennessee with 304 fatalities and 3860 injuries. When looking at the data there is a noticeable increase in the number of tornadoes during the last two decades. There are several possibilities for this increase. One of which is the improvement in weather radar technology such as the doppler radars that were commissioned in Tennessee in the mid 1990's. Doppler weather radars have allowed meteorologists to see storms that might contain rotation sooner than the conventional radars of the 1950's and 60's. Also public awareness has increased along with the proliferation of digital and video cameras which means many more small tornadoes are now sighted and tracked that probably would have been missed many years ago. Also, the urbanization of Tennessee since the 1950's has led to an increased awareness. Tornadoes that once moved through areas where vast farm land existed are now moving through subdivisions, apartment complexes and shopping centers.  For these reasons tornado records from earlier decades such as the 1950's are not comparable with the record of recent years.

Also this:  304 Fatalities From Tornadoes In Tennessee Since 1950

What I notice there is that while we are often told that lightning or flooding are severe weather's top killers (and that may be true on a more national or global level), that's not the case in Tennessee.  Tornados rightfully get that infamous title... causing more fatalities in Tennessee since 1950 than lightning and flooding combined.

And, remember, in spite of what happens in the Tornado Alley of the Plains, TN is still the statistically deadliest state where Tornadoes are concerned.  The recently coined term "Dixie Alley" I think tries to point that out.

Not to disturb anyone too much on this cool, damp, almost spring morning... but, these are things to keep in mind.

[Mr. William E. Brantley]

Hey Thundersnow :
I`ve posted this on my Facebook Profile And Twitter Profile !
I think this is a Great Story of how many Tornado`s  
have hit Tennessee since 1950 !
I`m sure you are ok with me placing this on my Facebook Profile.
If not let me know and I will delete it.
Great posting.
And I thank Nashville`s N.W.S. for Posting it.
And you reposting it.