February Weather Can Be Severe

Marble size hail in February 2017

Severe weather is less common in February than during the spring.  NOAA classifies “severe” weather as a thunderstorm that contains any of the following: hail 1” in diameter or greater; wind gusts of at least 58 mph; or a tornado.  The presence of heavy rain or lightning does not make a thunderstorm “severe.”  

There was a severe weather outbreak in the southeastern United States earlier this week that caused extensive damage and dozens of injuries.  As of this morning, scientists say about 200 cases of severe weather were reported on February 7, including roughly 20 tornadoes.  There have been several other notable February severe weather outbreaks in recent years.

2013: A severe weather outbreak occurred February 10 across the southeastern United States that featured 19 confirmed tornadoes.  Damaging wind gusts and large hail were reported as well.  Despite the improvement in severe weather watches and warnings, people don’t always get the latest information.  So, while no fatalities were reported, more than 100 people were injured.

2009: There were nearly 200 cases of severe weather on February 18 with over 20 tornadoes that touched down and caused 10 fatalities.  In the late winter and early spring months, severe weather tends to concentrate in the southeastern United States where it tends to be warmer and more humid.  

2008:  A severe weather outbreak from February 4 – 6 was unusual for several reasons.  The three-day total included over 600 reported cases of severe weather, with more than 130 confirmed tornadoes.  The most active of the three days was February 5, with over 500 cases of severe weather from Texas to West Virginia.  A severe weather outbreak that covers that much geography is more common in April or May.  What made this severe weather outbreak especially tragic, was that 28 people lost their lives.

1998:  Another significant severe weather outbreak occurred in central Florida on February 22-23.  NOAA reported that the 42 lives lost in this tornado outbreak made it Florida’s deadliest.  What made this particular event so deadly was that most of the tornadoes developed overnight when people were asleep.  

The advent of mobile weather apps and social media makes it easier for people to get the latest weather watches and warnings.  It’s important to rely on reputable sources for your weather information such as the National Weather Service or my colleagues and I on the WUSA9 weather team.