Late-night tornadoes on the rise

Recent years have seen a surge in powerful tornadoes striking Middle Tennessee after dark, raising concerns about nighttime safety in the region.

The Statistics Speak

Ryan Husted, the warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service (NWS) in Nashville, highlighted that approximately 46% of tornadoes in Tennessee occur during overnight hours. A study from Northern Illinois University revealed that nocturnal tornadoes are nearly twice as deadly as daytime ones.

Tennessee’s Tornado Risk

Tennessee ranks third in the nation for tornado-related fatalities, largely due to overnight tornadoes. In March 2020, a devastating EF-3 tornado struck Davidson, Wilson, and Smith counties after midnight, claiming five lives. Shortly after, an EF-4 tornado hit Putnam County, resulting in 19 fatalities.

Regional Factors at Play

Husted explained that the Southeast, particularly Tennessee, experiences a significant number of nighttime tornadoes due to the presence of a low-level jet, maintaining atmospheric instability. Unlike the Great Plains where overnight threats are mainly wind and hail, Middle Tennessee faces prolonged tornado risks.

Safety Measures Urged

Given the unpredictability of severe weather, Husted stressed the importance of having a safety plan in place. The NWS offers essential safety tips:

NWS Severe Weather Safety Tips:

• GET IN: Seek shelter indoors immediately.
• GET DOWN: If possible, move to the lowest floor or underground.
• COVER UP: Protect yourself from flying debris by using any available items as cover.

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

As Middle Tennessee remains susceptible to severe weather, staying informed is crucial. Residents are encouraged to download the News 2 Storm Tracker app for real-time updates and alerts.

Download The Local News App

For continuous coverage and timely alerts on severe weather and other local news, download The Local News App to your smartphone. Stay prepared, stay safe.

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