Meteorologists say the threat of a major tornado is slim. Take our NEWS POLL.
Along with hurricanes and tropical storms, summer is prime tornado season.
Following last month’s devastating tornado in Moore, Okla., Hackettstown-based WeatherWorks meteorologist Mike Mihalik reminds everyone that twisters can hit New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
New Jersey can anticipate about three tornadoes annually while Pennsylvania will average 15, although they occur predominately in the western part of the state, Mihalik said. He predicts that the Lehigh Valley area could see three to six twisters annually, but is likely not in danger of an EF5 tornado like the one that touched down in Oklahoma.
“In fact, one has never been observed in recorded history in New Jersey and only one has in Pennsylvania, which was over the western portion of the state,” Mihalik said. “Typically, if tornadoes form, they are usually rated EF0 to EF1, which pack winds of 65 to 110 miles per hour.”
He explained that the region is far less prone to a more severe tornado because of its stable atmosphere.
“In Oklahoma, they have all the ingredients for tornado formation: Warm air from Gulf of Mexico and cooler air off the Rocky Mountains and Canada forms an energetic air system,” Mihalik said. “It’s tougher in the East because we don’t get as much instability in the atmosphere.”
But regardless of the region’s relative immunity to devastating tornadoes, Mihalik recommends that people stay aware of tornado watches and warnings.
“If there’s a tornado watch issued it means conditions are conducive to a tornado, but if you do get a tornado warning, it has been verified by a spotter on ground or verified on radar,” he said. “You should then seek shelter. The best place to go is into a basement or storm shelter, but if there’s no basement, get on lowest floor away from windows and doors.”