As much as we welcome the beauty of springtime, this season brings with it some of the year’s most dangerous storms. Heavy rains, damaging hail and severe derecho winds and tornadoes, with cresting waterways during spring, frequently produce billion-dollar weather disasters. Not as well known, severe derecho winds are straight-line winds that can produce widespread damage from thunderstorms. They can be just as destructive as tornadoes and hurricanes. “It’s a time of year when multiple, concurrent disasters are likely, too, says Mickey McHenry, President, Paul Davis Restoration of South Atlanta, Central Georgia, Northeast Georgia, and Lanier Isles. “April sets in motion what is typically a most active and dangerous three-month period of the year for tornadoes in our area” says McHenry. “Not far away in Lee County, Alabama an EF4 twister sadly killed 23 people there in the month of March, so few months are really safe from killer storms.”
Sudden, Scary and Far Too Deadly Tornadoes
Nationwide, the U.S. averages more than 1,200 tornadoes annually. Some 55 percent take place during the three months of April, May and June. Over a 20 year period, April averaged 213 of these sudden and dangerous weather events. May sees the most tornadoes each year with an average of 279. June slides slightly downward to an average 192 tornadoes per year. That’s a lot of weather danger. The reason tornadoes are more common in spring compared to other months is because the required atmospheric ingredients come together more often this time of year. Tornado outbreaks occur when a storm system propelled by a strong, southward dip in the jet stream punches into the Plains, Midwest or South. This is accompanied by warm and humid air flowing northward out of the Gulf of Mexico.
More Frequent, Fortunately Less Deadly Spring Storms
Just as likely to bring havoc during spring are severe thunderstorms, which deliver damaging winds, heavy rainfall and large damaging hailstones. The clash between cold and warm air masses creates conditions all too favorable for these types of storms; particularly in the central plains and southeastern regions of the United States.These more common storms are thunderstorms, which can include damaging winds, large hail, and sometimes accompanying tornadoes. It’s the clash between cold and warm air masses that creates conditions favorable for these types of storms; particularly in the central plains and southeastern regions of the United States. The Great Plains are higher in elevation than most of the eastern half of the country, which brings the freezing level closer to the ground. This allows hail to form in less intense thunderstorms. What areas have the most hail? Although Florida has the most thunderstorms, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming usually have the most hailstorms. The area where these three states meet – “hail alley” – averages seven to nine hail days per year. Alaska and Hawaii tie as winners with the lowest rank with seldom any hail, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Storm Prediction Center, National Weather Service.
Get Ahead For Spring 2025
McHenry has several key suggestions for spring 2025. “Inspect your roof for damage, clean your gutters and downspouts, trim trees near your house or commercial building. Seal cracks around doors and windows with a good quality caulk. Next check your sump pump function (too few people think ahead to do this). Remove debris from your property and prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies. Ensure that your buildings have proper drainage and defend your home against strong winds and rain. Be safe and not sorry this spring.”
