Mississippi tornadoes remain above average

 

Just one year ago, Mississippi was in the midst of a record year for tornadoes.

Sixty-eight tornadoes were confirmed from January to mid May 2008.

2008 went on to produce over 40 more tornadoes, for a record total of 109.

 This year,  only 35 tornadoes have been confirmed across the state through mid May 2009, which is significantly down from last year.

 2008 Monthly Tornado Count

 March and May have been the most active months so far this year,  with 14 confirmed tornadoes in both months.

 

 Despite a less active severe weather season, Mississippi is above average for tornadoes.  (35 confirmed)

The state averages 28 tornadoes annually.

The state has been above average in tornadoes over the last several years.

(This continuous trend of above average tornadoes has caused the overall average for tornadoes to increase from 24 in the late 1990's to early 2000's to 27 in 2004 to now 28.)

Mississippi is transitioning into more of a summer like pattern, which is not conducive for severe weather in the Southeast.

In 2008, no tornadoes were recorded from June thru August, which is typical.

Severe weather becomes more confined to the Midwest and Central Plains. (tornado alley)

Church destroyed from a EF 3 tornado on March 25, 2009 (Magee, MS)

 Tornado activity begins to increase once again with the threat of land falling tropical systems along the Gulf Coast and during what is called the 'Second Severe Weather Season in the late Fall' across the South. (Fall Severe Weather Mississippi) (Tropical systems produce tornadoes)