Early January saw the start of a destructive and deadly tornado season for the United States. Over 1,000 tornadoes resulted in >$4.4 billion in damages and at least 78 fatalities. (NOAA) Many of the big storms spawned numerous cyclones, and these tornado outbreaks can span over multiple days and cause widespread damage and major economic losses.
Date of event: January 10, 2020-April 23, 2020
Enhanced Fujita Scale (rates the intensity of tornadoes):
EFU– Unknown No surveyable damage
EF0– 65–85 mph Light damage
EF1– 86–110 mph Moderate damage
EF2– 111–135 mph Considerable damage
EF3– 136–165 mph Severe damage
EF4– 166–200 mph Devastating damage
EF5– >200 mph Incredible damage
Notable tornadoes:
- January 10-11, 2020: Carrollton, Alabama and Haughton, Louisiana
- EF2
- Damages: $1.1 billion
- 7 fatalities (3 in Carrollton; 3 in Haughton; 1 in Nacogdoches, TX)
- March 2-3, 2020: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama
- March 2: EF2 near Camden, TN; EF2 near Alvaton, KY;
- March 3: EF3 near Nashville, TN; EF2 in Clarkrange, TN; EF4 near Baxter, TN
- Damages: $4.6 billion
- 25 fatalities
- April 12-13, 2020: 140 tornadoes ranging from EF0-EF4
- EF0–31
- EF1–74
- EF2–19
- EF3–13
- EF4–3
- Damages: $3 billion
- 32 fatalities
- April 22-23, 2020: 45 tornadoes from EF0-EF3
- EF0–11
- EF1–22
- EF2–10
- EF3–1
- EFU (unknown due to lack of damage)–1
- Damages: $1.1 billion
- 6 fatalities
Related Resources:
- ASPR TRACIE Technical Assistance Request: COVID-19 and Secondary Disasters
- Post-Disaster Building Safety Evaluation Guidance: Report on the Current State of Practice, Including Recommendations Related to Structural and Nonstructural Safety and Habitability
- Preparing for Tornado Season
- Inadequate Management and Oversight Jeopardized $187.3 Million in FEMA Grant Funds Expended by Joplin Schools, Missouri
HSDL Search: Tornadoes | Disaster Preparedness & Response
Photo Credit: NOAA