DALLAS, March 22 (UPI) -- Meteorologists say the number of tornado deaths in the United States keeps falling despite record numbers of twisters because of improved forecasting and public awareness.
The number of U.S. twisters last year set a record, due partly to an unusual hurricane outbreak that spawned additional severe storms, but despite that historic jump the number of fatalities was 35 nationwide.
"We have not had a season where we have lost over a 100 lives since 1974," said Dan McCarthy, warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla.
The average over the past three years has been 48 deaths with the numbers declining annually from 55 in 2002 to 35 last year, according to data collected at the center.
There were 1,722 tornadoes reported in 2004, which surpassed the record of 1,424 in 1998 by nearly 300, largely due to one tropical storm and five hurricanes that tore through Florida, Alabama and the mid-Atlantic coast.
Typically those storms spin off tornadoes but last year was a record-smashing outbreak. Hurricane Frances produced the most tornadoes for a tropical system with 117 twisters. The previous record for tornadoes was Hurricane Beulah in 1967 with 115.
Joe Schaefer, director of the Norman storm center, said timely watches and warnings combined with strong partnerships with emergency management personnel and the media worked to save lives during the stormy onslaught of 2004.
What role tropical systems will play in this year's tornado season is unknown. Although another active hurricane season is predicted in the Atlantic, it is not expected to be on the scale of 2004.
Colorado State University hurricane expert William Gray predicted 11 tropical storms and six hurricanes during the 2005 season, which begins June 1. An average season would see nine tropical storms, with six hurricanes and two major storms of category 3 or higher.
The subtropical jet stream that has been active the past few months across the Pacific, causing heavy rains and mudslides in California, has prompted McCarthy to predict "an active severe weather season" for the United States as the peak of the tornado season approaches.
From 1,500 to 1,600 tornadoes could be reported across the nation this season, above the 10-year average of about 1,200, but less than last year's record, he said.
Considered some of nature's most violent storms, tornadoes can occur any month of the year but the peak season is March through July. Tornadoes can occur almost anywhere in the United States, but they are most prevalent in "Tornado Alley" which stretches from Texas into the Dakotas.
Although occurring mostly away from big cities, tornadoes cause more than $400 million in damage every year. Advanced warning systems and public awareness have reduced the loss of life from the staggering figures of decades ago.
In March 1925, the "Tri-State" tornado killed 695 people when it roared across more than 200 miles of Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. It is considered the deadliest tornado in U.S. history, according to the center's records.
Today, modern technology like Doppler radar and tornado watches and warnings keep the public informed through radio, television, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radios and tornado sirens in some cities and towns.
The new "Ready, Set, Go" program of the National Weather Service tells families to find shelter in advance, be set to move when a storm watch is posted, and go to shelter when a tornado warning is posted for the area.
People living in manufactured or mobile homes need to pay particular attention to severe storms, McCarthy said.
"If you own a mobile home you need to know where you can seek shelter immediately," he said. "Mobile home areas are developing safe areas or safe buildings where people can take cover in. They may also want to respond to a tornado watch in their area rather than waiting for a warning."
A "watch" issued by a local weather office designates a specific area where tornadoes and other severe storms are possible in the next few hours. A warning means a tornado has been spotted or Doppler radar has indicated conditions that could spawn a twister and safety precautions should be taken.
Manufactured home builders say since Hurricane Andrew struck in 1992 the standards for homes in hurricane-prone areas are equivalent to or more stringent than site-built homes. They also urge proper installation and anchoring.
A number of factors have contributed to more public awareness of tornadoes. Local weather offices have trained and prepared more spotters to watch storms and even cellular phones have helped improve spotting, McCarthy said.
The "Ready, Set, Go" program and partnerships between weather offices, emergency management officials and local broadcasters have created a system that puts out more accurate and timely information to the public.
"The message and procedures of the National Weather Service and the partnerships they have are contributing to the saving of lives and property," said McCarthy.
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