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El Niño May Increase Severe Weather Risk

Posted Oct 27, 2009 by Megan Hatton

Updated Oct 27, 2009 at 01:25 PM

El Niño may have aided in a quieter than normal Atlantic hurricane season but we could be in store for an active winter across central Florida.  El Niño refers to warmer than normal tropical Pacific waters that sometimes alter the global weather pattern drastically.  In an El Niño winter, the jetstream dips into the deep southern states of the U.S. keeping us in the line of fire for developing lows and cold fronts.  This normally equates to a rainier and cooler winter season.  Oh yeah, and also more severe weather.  According to the National Weather Service, 6 of the 10 deadliest winter tornado days occurred during El Niño events. 

Now that we know there is an elevated threat of severe weather now is the time to prepare.  Familiarize yourself and your family with a plan should a tornado warning be issued for your area.  Read more about tornadoes and how to prepare for them by clicking here.  Something else to think about:  the National Weather Service states most El Niño-related tornadoes occur at night.  Time to think about purchasing a weather radio…..