emse232

Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management

Crisis and Emergency Management

April 2008 Volume 14 - Number 3

Disaster Updates...

Tornadoes in Southeast America

By: Brian Noble

During January and February 2008, the southeast region of the United States has experienced an unusual increase in the number of tornadoes. Furthermore, these recent tornado outbreaks were some of the most deadly within the last two decades. Scientists believe abnormally high average temperatures are to blame. Local, State, and Federal recovery efforts are currently underway.

The string of tornadoes between January 7 to 10 is being attributed to unseasonably high temperatures. Global warming has been deemed a possible reason for these high temperatures. Wikipedia offers a meteorological synopsis of the event. According to the web site, a strong low pressure area near the Great Lakes and its associated cold front combined with an intense wind shear created a favorable climate for tornado supercell development. A total of 72 different tornados were confirmed during this three day span. Some of the hardest hit areas include southwestern Missouri and southwester Arkansas (Wikipedia).

During the beginning of February, a second string of tornadoes ripped through Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Approximately 55 people have lost their lives throughout this event. The string of tornadoes has been termed the deadliest tornado outbreak in 20 years (Tornadoes Ravage). CNN reports there was widespread damage, with Macon County, Tennessee being one of the worst hit. Tennessee State Police reported heavy looting during the aftermath of the disaster. In some communities, no emergency system or warning sirens were utilized. Secretary of Homeland Security, Mike Chertoff, stated FEMA is deploying emergency teams to assist with the recovery efforts (Severe Weather). Heavy hail and rain persisted throughout the event and President Bush arranged a visit to the affected areas in Tennessee (Tornadoes in Southeast).

In addition to FEMA deploying emergency response teams, the American Red Cross (ARC) rushed to provide food, shelter, counseling, and search and rescue teams of their own. ARC’s website states the organization will continue to mobilize volunteers and resources. Donations are currently being taken for the Annual Disaster Giving Program, which ultimately funds the majority of recovery programs sponsored by ARC. Additional information can be obtained by either visiting their website directly (www.redcross.org) or calling 1-800-HELP-NO (American Red Cross Responds).

Although tornadoes during late winter are not uncommon, the death toll from this string of tornadoes ranks within the top 15 since 1950. Some meteorologists believe the tornadoes were made stronger by the natural climate phenomenon called El Nina. El Nina is responsible for the cooling of the tropical south Pacific Ocean, which can cause changes in weather patterns throughout the world. El Nina is the exact opposite of the better known El Nino, which causes regional warming. Recent studies do suggest that there has been an increase in tornadoes within the Southeast U.S. during winters that involve El Nina (Death Toll Continues). No further information was given if these tornado outbreaks will become an ongoing issue.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/January_2008_Tornado_Outbreak_Sequence

2. “Tornadoes ravage the Southeast, communities look to cleanup, recovery”

http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/14498.html

3. “Severe Weather, Tornadoes Kill Dozens Across South”

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/02/06/tornadoes/

4. “Tornadoes in Southeast US”

http://www.mapsofworld.com/mapinnews/tornado-in-southeast-us.html

5. “American Red Cross Responds to Tornadoes in the Southeast”

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS248421+06-Feb-2008+PRN20080206

6. “Death Toll Continues to Rise in Tornadoes’ Wake”

http://naplesnews.com/news/2008/feb/05/tornadoes-tear-across-southern-states-killing-leas/