A record number 87 tornadoes during a three-day span set a new U.S. record for October, and the total of 105 was the second most for the month behind 117 during October 2001, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration )NOAA).
The record-setting outbreak took place because two weather systems that had high potential to form tornadoes were simultaneously positioned over the country.
"The positioning of the jet stream from southwest Texas to northeast Michigan with readily available moisture streaming inland from the Gulf created conditions favorable for tornado activity in the country’s mid-section," said Joe Schaefer, director of NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.
A low pressure system was the primary cause of storms that produced six tornadoes on Oct. 17 through the morning of Oct. 19 in the coastal regions of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and the Florida Panhandle.
The remaining 81 tornadoes were produced by a system of low pressure that extended from the Central Plains to the Great Lakes. Intense thunderstorms developed ahead of the system, spawning tornadoes from southwestern Missouri to Michigan. Five fatalities, two in Missouri and three in Michigan, were associated with these storms.
Though tornadoes form more often in the spring months, conditions favorable to their development can certainly occur in the fall.
"These storms are a reminder to all that tornadoes can develop any time of year, and anywhere," said Schaefer. "When severe weather is forecast, people should stay on top of developments closely. Monitor television and radio or listen to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, the fastest and most direct link to hazard watches and warnings from local National Weather Service forecast offices."
Source: Xinhua/Agencies
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