Atlanta Weather | 2012 Tornadoes | News
2011 turned out to be a very active year of severe weather and tornadoes, but that was not the case for 2012. In fact some are thinking that the 2012 Tornado count may be one for the record books.
According to the Storm Prediction Center, the number of tornadoes in 2012 for January, February, and March was above normal, but during April (the most active time of the season), the numbers were below average and never picked back up. Even during the fall months.
See for yourself with the graphic below from the SPC comparing the normal tornado count with the 2011 and 2012 season.
Why the low number this year? There are a number of factors. Some researchers believe it was due to the lack of vertical wind shear or change in wind speed with altitude, a necessary ingredient for spin in the atmosphere.
Experts also point to the extreme drought. In the late 1970s to early 1980s, the Great Plains states were dry and tornadoes were few then as well.