This year won’t just set a new national record for most tornadoes in April — it’ll obliterate the old mark.
The previous record was 267 in 1974, but that total was topped by last week, with one-third of a busy month to go.
As of today, the Storm Prediction Center has received 559 tornado reports this month. That number should drop at least some because it includes multiple reports of the same tornado. But a total easily topping 300 wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
There have been 7 confirmed tornadoes in Kansas – all of them in the 26-county coverage area handled by the Wichita branch of the National Weather Service. None, however, have touched down or moved near Wichita.
A storm near Perry, east of Topeka, that was featured by CNN earlier this month was actually a gustnado, weather research Jon Davies told me. Those are not included in tornado statistics because of their differing characteristics.
The CBS Evening News aired a piece Sunday about the slew of April tornadoes, including the one that heavily damaged the St. Louis area. WeatherData president Mike Smith was among those interviewed.
Among the points made is one I’ve stressed often recently: it’s not enough that warnings be issued — people have to be aware of the threat and take appropriate precautions. All too often this spring, that hasn’t been happening.
Weather officials are constantly looking for ways to improve the language and use of severe weather watches and warnings. But even the best warnings don’t guarantee people will pay attention and respond correctly.
Fast-moving storms brought a bit of rain to Wichita shortly before dawn today, and showers could redevelop later this morning, forecasters say.
Highs will reach the low 60s today under mostly cloudy skies, with north winds in the teens. Overnight lows will be in the low 40s, and Tuesday brings another chance of showers and highs in the low to mid-60s.
Wichita received .08 of an inch of rain as of 7 a.m. today, though heavier rain was falling in Butler County.
For more information on current conditions, go to our weather page.