As Hurricane Helene approached the U.S. mainland, at least 25 million people were under a tornado watch. Tornadoes, often overshadowed by hurricanes, pose a significant threat during storms and can occur far from the hurricane’s center. The Storm Prediction Center issued warnings about tornado risks related to Helene’s size and movement. Tornado watches were in place in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Tornadoes with tropical origins can be hard to spot due to rain, and immediate action is necessary upon a warning. Residents in vulnerable housing should relocate to safer places when tornado watches are issued. Hurricanes can produce tornadoes for days after making landfall, with noteworthy incidents happening far inland.
Hurricane Beryl set records for tornado warnings in multiple states despite making landfall in Texas. The size of storms like Beryl and Helene can increase tornado production, with larger storms having a greater potential for tornado activity. Data on tornadoes has been collected since Doppler radar use began in 1995, showing a significant number of tornadoes spawned by hurricanes and tropical storms.
Beryl and other large storms like Ivan, Beulah, and Harvey have been prolific tornado producers. Understanding tornado data from hurricanes can provide valuable insights into predicting tornadoes associated with future storms. The National Weather Service began using Doppler radar in 1995 to enhance weather prediction capabilities.
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