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The top 10 years for numbers of
tornadoes in Illinois since 1950 are as follows:
|
1. |
2003 |
123 (preliminary,
through Aug. 31) |
|
2. |
1974 |
107 |
|
3. |
1998 |
99 |
|
4. |
1995 |
76 |
|
5. |
1999 |
64 |
|
6. |
1973 |
63 |
|
7. |
1996 |
62 |
|
8. |
2000 |
55 |
|
9. |
1990 |
50 |
|
10. |
1975 |
46 |
Note that seven of the top 10 years
have occurred since 1990. This may be attributed to a greater number
of storm spotters, more aggressive confirmation procedures,
technological advances and better reporting methods than had been
available in prior years.
Tornadoes distributed by parts of the
state so far this year are as follows:
Central and southeast, 61
Northwest, 21
Northeast, 18
Southwest, 13
South, 10
[to top of second column in
this article]
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The tally of 123 tornadoes is a
preliminary count, especially since there are more than three months
remaining in the year. Historically, since 1950, there have been
more than 120 tornadoes reported in Illinois in the months of
October, November and December. Thus, it is normal for about two to
three tornadoes to occur in Illinois from October to December.
The tornadoes in Illinois resulted in
two fatalities and injured more than 75 people, while causing tens
of millions of dollars in damage. The deadliest tornado to occur
this year was in southern Illinois during the late evening hours
of May 6. Two people were killed and 33 injured when a tornado
traveled 33 miles, just north of the Ohio River, from Pulaski County
through Massac County into Pope County. This violent tornado was
rated
an F4 with estimated wind speeds of 210 mph.
The
record-setting numbers of tornadoes can most likely be attributed to
a large dome of warm air that became anchored over the western
United States while cooler conditions become established in the
eastern part of the country. This resulted in the main storm track
setting up near Illinois. This was especially the case in May, when
the Midwest broke records for the number of tornadoes, with more
than 500 reported.
[News release
from Chris Miller,
warning coordination meteorologist,
National Weather Service,
Lincoln]
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