After slow start, tornado season under way

[March 10, 2010]  OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Forecasters say a wetter-than-usual winter and a jet stream dipping deep into Tornado Alley could lead to an active spring for tornadoes.

The 2010 tornado season has had a slow start with one twister reported -- in California -- in February. A strong twister ripped through Hammon in western Oklahoma Monday night, destroying five homes.

Greg Carbin of the Storm Prediction Center in Norman said Tuesday there will be an uptick in thunderstorm activity as spring approaches and the Southern Plains states warm up.

Dr. Harold Brooks of the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman says Monday's tornado does not necessarily mean the season will be more active, but that more tornados are possible in the coming weeks if the same weather pattern continues.

[Associated Press; By TIM TALLEY]

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