U.S. Tornadoes
Strong tornadoes
have had a decline
in frequency
since the 1950s.
The years
2012, 2013,
2014, 2015
and 2016,
all had
below average,
to near record low,
tornado counts
in the U.S.,
since records
began in 1954.
Tornado detection
has improved with the
addition of NEXRAD,
the growth of the trained
spotter networks,
storm chasers
armed with cellular
data and imagery,
and the proliferation
of cell phone cameras
and social media.
This shows up most
in the weak EF0
tornado count,
but for storms
from moderate EF1
to strong EF 3+
intensity, the trend
slope has been flat
to down, despite
improved detection.
