In 2024, 129 were reported tornadoes in North Carolina, which represents an increase of almost 95.5% in just one year.
This was reported by a North Carolina State University database, which also revealed that 69 tornadoes were recorded in the months of August and September alone, surpassing the 66 reported in all of 2023.
The increase has been concentrated mainly in the east of the state, particularly in the coastal plain, explained to Enlace Latino NC Charles 'Chip' Konrad, director of the Southeast Regional Climate Center and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
"There has really been an increase in the eastern part of the state, the coastal plain. I would say this is primarily due to an increase in tropical cyclones, which would be tropical storms and hurricanes," the specialist said.
A clear example is the area of the Sandhills, A subregion of the coastal plains that is particularly prone to tornadoes. This area includes Richmond, Scotland, Hoke, Cumberland, Harnett, Lee, Montgomery, and Moore counties. According to Konrad, it's also one of the areas most vulnerable to their impacts.
“Unfortunately, that's also the area where there are many more mobile homes, just substandard housing,” Konrad said. “And so, there's this enormous challenge for that community.”
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Is North Carolina vulnerable to tornadoes?
Konrad explained that North Carolina is not part of “Dixie Alley,” a region in the Southeast nicknamed for its increasing tendency toward tornadoes. This includes areas such as Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, northeast Arkansas, and southeast Missouri.
However, the state shares many of the same conditions of vulnerability to severe tornadoes.
“We have many of the same vulnerabilities they do. One reason is that tornadoes there tend to be more deadly,” Konrad said. “There are a lot of unattended people and a lot of mobile homes. Plus, there are a lot of trees, so it's hard to see tornadoes. So when a tornado hits, there's more debris in the air because of the large number of trees.”
Trees contribute to reduced visibility and increased airborne debris, while the presence of mobile homes contributes to less resilient homes.
Konrad also mentioned that tornadoes are not only difficult to see, but they also move quickly.
“Often in the Southeast, and especially in North Carolina, tornadoes move quickly. Therefore, not only are they not visible, but they approach more quickly,” Konrad explained. “Additionally, we have a wetter atmosphere, which usually means there are a lot of low clouds. Sometimes, rain envelops the tornado. For various reasons, they are very difficult to see.”
These combined factors make tornadoes particularly dangerous. According to the expert, many of the same conditions exist in North Carolina.
“We certainly have those vulnerability factors here in North Carolina,” he said. “North Carolina, when there's a tornado, is especially vulnerable, as are these areas in Dixie Alley.”
What is the difference between a tornado and a hurricane?
According to Konrad, the difference between tornadoes and hurricanes It goes beyond training and size. It's more about the time people have to prepare and know what's coming.
“Hurricanes, and tropical storms too, are very large and take time to form, and we know they're coming. We get excellent forecasts a day or two or even more in advance. You know it's coming, so there's time to prepare,” Konrad said. “Tornadoes, on the other hand, are very transient. They're very small. They usually don't last very long, but the challenge there is warning people in advance.”
In this regard, the Meteorological Service issues alerts when a tornado is detected or indicated by Doppler radar.
“The Weather Service has very sophisticated technology for detecting tornadoes. Their Doppler radars allow them to see the signature of a tornado in the wind field,” Konrad said. “So, regardless of whether there are trees or not, they are very adept at identifying the type of thunderstorm that can produce a tornado and can see the circulation.”
Related: What is the safest place in a house during a tornado?
What types of tornado warnings are there?
Hay different types of tornado warnings, between them:
- Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado in and around the watch area. Get ready!
- Tornado Warning: Radar has detected a tornado and there is imminent danger to life and property.
“If you receive a tornado warning, you are in the path and need to get to safety immediately,” Konrad said.
According to ReadyNC.govThe best places to take shelter inside your home are on the lowest possible floor or in the basement. Under the stairs, in a bathroom, or in a closet. Look for a place without windows.
“It’s very important to find a room without windows, an interior room,” Konrad concluded.
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After the storm
A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
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