Tornadoes have been on the media most of the week, with the touchdown happening in Washington, Illinois. However there is a small trend happening that could change the normal trend that is occurring.
The total the number of tornado touchdowns are becoming higher
By Melissa Pierson
Illinois has always been part of Tornado Alley. With every year tornadoes touching down in Illinois, and some cause enough damage to gain nationwide news coverage.
Dr. Jim Angel, a State Climatologist, recorded every tornado that touched down in Illinois from 1980 until 2012, and also included the deaths and injuries that the tornado caused.
With focusing on the last six years, between 2012 and 2010 have a higher spike of tornadoes compared with 2009 to 2007. With 2012-2010 having a total of 167 tornadoes and 2009-2007 having a total of 99, with a difference of 68 tornadoes touching down. With 2013 coming to an end soon there could be a raise in the total of all three categories.
This spike of tornadoes touching down can be witnessed with the rare November tornado touching down in Washington, Illinois last week.
“I think the tornadoes have affected everyone in some way, shape or form,” said Melissa Vance, a junior Bradley University student and life long Illinois resident. “I mean I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t at least know someone who was personally affected by the last tornado. Some of my close friends had their homes ripped away from them in a matter of minutes without any warning. Everything is gone.”
More months containing unusual warmer days can be to be blamed for these tornadoes. For they are uncommon but they are becoming more normal as time passes. However there will be a clear conclusion once 2013 is over and there is a clear total of the number of tornadoes touching down; if the number keeps rising, or if the number will start to decline.