What to know about tornado season in Texas
The duck-and-cover tornado drill is all too familiar if you grew up in Texas.
Spring usually marks the start of tornado season in Texas. According to the National Weather Service, Texas averages 137 tornadoes each year, the most of any state in the country.
Depending on where you reside in Texas, tornadoes are more common and stronger in certain counties.
Where are tornadoes most likely?
Tornadoes are most likely in the Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth areas, according to data from National Centers for Environmental Information. The major counties are Tarrant, Bexar, Travis, Dallas and Harris.
The total tornadoes reported date back to 1950.
Harris County is 1,778 square miles in size, which is nearly the size of Dallas and Tarrant counties combined. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, if that variable is removed and you look at the total number of tornadoes per 100 square miles, Harris County still leads the way.
Why are there so many?
According to the National Weather Service, Texas averages 137 tornadoes each year, the highest number of any state in the United States. Tornadoes are most common during the spring and summer months nationwide, but due to Texas’ proximity to the Gulf of Mexico as a moisture source, tornadoes can occur in the state any time of year.
What months are tornado season?
In the past 20 years, Texas has averaged close to 15 confirmed tornado reports every March, which equates to about one tornado every two days, according to the National Weather Service.
What’s the difference between a watch and a warning?
According to the National Weather Service, a tornado watch means you need to be prepared for a possible tornado in your area. The weather service issues a tornado warning when one has actually been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A warning means you should take shelter immediately.
How to be safe during a tornado
Seek shelter.
If outside, seek cover. If you are in a vehicle or live in a mobile home, take shelter.
Wear a helmet for extra protection. Families should always go to a tornado shelter or safe room first.
Avoid rooms with windows and any other large glass.
Bad weather can affect electricity. There’s no guarantee you’ll have power during a storm, so it’s a good idea to have an emergency radio during a storm. Listen to weather alerts.
Stay calm.