Hazardous weather impacts
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Over the past 30
years, the most storm-related fatalities in the United States
have been attributed to floods, with an average of 99 each year,
followed by lightning (62) and tornadoes (54).
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Tornadoes in
Illinois have killed 202 people and injured nearly 4,100 since
1950.
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Average annual damage from tornadoes,
hurricanes and floods in the U.S. is about $14 billion.
Central and southeast Illinois severe weather statistics
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Since 2003, 81
percent of all severe weather events (damaging winds,
tornadoes and large hail) in central and southeast Illinois had
advance warning by the NWS in Lincoln, with an average lead
time of 17 minutes.
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The peak of our
severe weather season extends from March 20 through Sept.
3.
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During the 10-year
period from 1998 through 2007, severe weather has occurred six
times on two calendar dates: May 31 and Aug. 18.
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Of the top 15
counties with the most tornadoes in the state, 10 are in central
or eastern Illinois. These are Logan, ranked No. 2; McLean, No.
3; Sangamon, No. 4; Tazewell, No. 5; Woodford, No. 7; Macon, No.
10; Champaign, No. 11; Piatt, No. 12; Douglas, No. 13; and
Coles, No. 14. (Data based on tornadoes per 100 square miles
from 1950-2007.)
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More than 2,780 volunteer weather
spotters were trained in 30 central and eastern Illinois
counties last year. More than 1,000 were new trainees.
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Economic impacts of weather forecasts and warnings
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The cost of NWS
services for the average central or southeast Illinois household
is only about $7.50 per year. (Based on NWS and Census Bureau
statistics)
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NWS implementation
of storm-based warnings for smaller areas, and portions of
counties, will result in a 70 percent reduction in false alarms.
It is projected that this improvement will save U.S. businesses
and the public nearly $100 million in sheltering costs each year
(e.g., lost business, lost productivity, etc.).
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Thirty-three
percent of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, or nearly $3
trillion, is affected by weather and National Weather Service
forecasts.
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Economists have estimated that improved
El Nino and La Nina forecasts have resulted in annual savings of
nearly $300 million for U.S. agriculture by altering planting
decisions.
The National Weather Service mission
The National Weather Service provides weather, hydrologic and
climate forecasts and warnings for the United States, its
territories, adjacent waters and ocean areas, for the protection of
life and property and the enhancement of the national economy. The
NWS is the sole United States official voice for issuing warnings
during life-threatening weather situations.
Visit
www.weather.gov/Lincoln for the latest weather and river
forecasts, warnings, current conditions, radar and satellite
imagery, and climate information.
[Text from file received from
National Weather Service,
Lincoln]
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