A community in East Tennessee was devastated on Thursday night when a deadly storm ripped through Morgan County.
A possible tornado went through the Deer Lodge and Sunbright areas around 8:30 p.m., leaving a woman and her daughter dead and three others injured, according to Morgan County Emergency Management.
This deadly storm could mark the first tornado in the area in 2025, but as of Friday morning, the National Weather Service has not confirmed if a tornado ripped through the area.
Tornadoes have become more common in the South over the last few years, but the destruction and emotional trauma they leave behind is something no one can prepare for. And we are just now entering tornado season for many areas in the country, including Tennessee.
When is tornado season in Tennessee?
Tennessee usually sees the highest number of tornadoes during April, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Usually, tornado season runs from March to May in Tennessee, but in recent years storms that produce these destructive, and sometimes deadly, forces of nature have been coming earlier in the year.
Chart showing the number of tornadoes Tennessee has seen each month since 1811.
Where is ‘Tornado Alley’?
“Tornado Alley is an area of the U.S. where there is a high potential for tornado development,” AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski said.
Much of northern Texas northward through Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and parts of Louisiana, Iowa, Nebraska and eastern Colorado are considered part of this Tornado Alley. This region of the U.S. is considered to be vulnerable to tornado development because contrasting air masses frequently collide to produce strong and violent thunderstorms. A perfect stage for tornado development, according to AccuWeather.
Meteorologists have noticed a shift toward the Southeast as the frequency of tornadoes increase in Southern states like Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama over the years.
Tennessee is not considered part of tornado alley, but the state has had its fair share of tornadoes over the years.
Comparing annual data from 1980 to 1999 with 2000 to 2019, 20 U.S. states saw an increase in tornado activity, including Tennessee. Scientists can’t pinpoint precisely how much may be due to an increase in reporting due to improved technology.
What is a tornado watch?
When a tornado watch is in place tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service suggests people who are in the warning area review and discuss their emergency plans, check supplies and have a safe room incase the weather takes a turn for the worse.
What is a tornado warning?
When a tornado warning is issued it means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. There is imminent danger to life and property.
Here are some suggestions from the National Weather Service if a tornado warning is issued for your area:
- Move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building
- If in a mobile home, a vehicle, or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris
Warnings typically are for a much smaller area that may be impacted by a tornado identified by a forecaster on radar, a trained spotter or law enforcement who is watching the storm, according to National Weather Service.
Tornado warnings are issued by your local forecast office.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: When is Tennessee tornado season? Morgan County may be first of 2025
