2020 has proven to be one of the most difficult years for citizens of Virginia and the rest of the globe. In addition to some positive news by way of migrating hummingbirds, singing frogs, and beautiful butterflies, there’s another natural phenomenon that Virginians should be keenly aware of this season: tornadoes. While it’s true that Virginia doesn’t experience tornadoes nearly as often as other regions, recent weather trends indicate the likelihood of more twisters than normal.
Tornadoes are not particularly common to the state of Virginia, but they’re not rare either. Tornadoes are known to touch down at any point throughout the year, with spring being one of the most active seasons.
Tom VanNortwick / flickr So far, Virginia has experienced a handful of tornadoes in 2020, many of which touched down in Northern Virginia in early February.
According to U.S. Tornadoes, there’s a 40% chance that tornado activity could be higher than usual for Virginia throughout the spring.
U.S. Tornadoes It’s important to note that the above forecast is based on a 6 - 10 day outlook based on precipitation in early March. Favorable conditions for tornadoes don’t always mean the presence of tornadoes, either.
Early spring tends to be the season where Virginia experiences most of its tornadoes.
Joe_Potato / iStock / Getty Images Plus Tornadoes are caused by instability and high winds. Instability refers to a mixing of cooler air with warm, humid air. Finally, strong winds can help spur rotating supercells.
Tornadoes can also occur in the summer and fall, although they’re most likely to be associated with hurricanes.
Kipp Teague / flickr
If you’ve ever witnessed a tornado, you can attest to the fact that they can appear seemingly instantly along with high winds, rain, and sometimes hail.
Tom VanNortwick / flickr
One of the best way to prepare for a tornado outbreak is to stay informed and have a safety plan at the ready.
J. Albert Bowden II / flickr The storm in the photograph above seemed to hover over Chick’s Beach in 2011.
Have you experienced tornadoes in Virginia? If so, we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. For more information about the tornado forecast for 2020, be sure to click here.
Tom VanNortwick / flickr
So far, Virginia has experienced a handful of tornadoes in 2020, many of which touched down in Northern Virginia in early February.
U.S. Tornadoes
It’s important to note that the above forecast is based on a 6 - 10 day outlook based on precipitation in early March. Favorable conditions for tornadoes don’t always mean the presence of tornadoes, either.
Joe_Potato / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Tornadoes are caused by instability and high winds. Instability refers to a mixing of cooler air with warm, humid air. Finally, strong winds can help spur rotating supercells.
Kipp Teague / flickr
J. Albert Bowden II / flickr
The storm in the photograph above seemed to hover over Chick’s Beach in 2011.
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