Severe Weather Awareness Week: Tornadoes and Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are one of the most exciting types of weather and Florida has more of them than anywhere else in the United States and North America. All thunderstorms are considered dangerous because they contain lightning and can also produce damaging winds, heavy rain which may cause flooding, tornadoes and hail. Florida tornadoes come in all shapes and sizes, and can occur year-round, although most occur in the summer during the afternoon. Florida is also home to nearly 300 waterspouts each year, which are tornadoes that occur over water.

 >Number of Reported Tornadoes by State
1- TX 3150
2- KS 1921
3- FL 1358
4- NE 1190
5- OK 1160

A waterspout on the St. Johns River
in Jacksonville on July 26, 2009.