# event_collections

type: text
collection_summary: summary
t5_summary: t5 summary
nltk_summary: nltk summary
collection_name: solar eclipse
bert_summary:
  A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the view of the Sun from a small part of Earth, totally or partially. Unlike a lunar eclipse, which may be viewed from anywhere on the night side of Earth, a solar eclipse can only be viewed from a relatively small area of the world. Astronomers' predictions of eclipses began in China as early as the 4th century BC; eclipses hundreds of years into the future may now be predicted with high accuracy. During an eclipse, totality occurs only along a narrow track on the surface of Earth.[7] This narrow track is called the path of totality.[8]
  An annular eclipse occurs once every one or two years[6] when the Sun and Moon are exactly in line with Earth, but the apparent size of the Moon is smaller than that of the Sun. However, some eclipses can be seen only as a partial eclipse, because the umbra passes above Earth's polar regions and never intersects Earth's surface.[9] Partial eclipses are virtually unnoticeable in terms of the Sun's brightness, as it takes well over 90% coverage to notice any darkening at all. An annular eclipse can occur when the Sun has a larger apparent size than the Moon, whereas a total eclipse can occur when the Moon has a larger apparent size. The dark gray region between the Moon and Earth is the umbra, where the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon. Because of this, at the time of a new moon, the Moon will usually pass to the north or south of the Sun. A solar eclipse can occur only when a new moon occurs close to one of the points (known as nodes) where the Moon's orbit crosses the ecliptic.[19]

  As noted above, the Moon's orbit is also elliptical. Therefore, the Moon's apparent size varies with its distance from Earth, and it is this effect that leads to the difference between total and annular eclipses. On average, the Moon appears to be slightly (2.1%) smaller than the Sun as seen from Earth, so the majority (about 60%) of central eclipses are annular. The longest eclipse that has been calculated thus far is the eclipse of July 16, 2186 (with a maximum duration of 7 minutes 29 seconds over northern Guyana).[33]

  Occurrence and cycles
  Main article: Eclipse cycle

  As Earth revolves around the Sun, approximate axial parallelism of the Moon's orbital plane (tilted five degrees to Earth's orbital plane) results in the revolution of the lunar nodes relative to Earth. This causes an eclipse season approximately every six months, in which a solar eclipse can occur at the new moon phase and a lunar eclipse can occur at the full moon phase. Observers aboard a Concorde supersonic aircraft were able to stretch totality for this eclipse to about 74 minutes by flying along the path of the Moon's umbra.[39] The next total eclipse exceeding seven minutes in duration will not occur until June 25, 2150. The most notable difference will be a westward shift of about 120° in longitude (due to the 0.3 days) and a little in latitude (north-south for odd-numbered cycles, the reverse for even-numbered ones). Even on Earth, the diversity of eclipses familiar to people today is a temporary (on a geological time scale) phenomenon. Hundreds of millions of years in the past, the Moon was closer to Earth and therefore apparently larger, so every solar eclipse was total or partial, and there were no annular eclipses. Eclipses have been interpreted as omens, or portents.[53] The ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote that Thales of Miletus predicted an eclipse that occurred during a battle between the Medes and the Lydians. For him it was enough to know that the solar radiance was stolen, in the one case as in the other, and to suspect that the same demon was to blame for both robberies.[68]

  Viewing
  2017 total solar eclipse viewed in real time with audience reactions
  Looking directly at the photosphere of the Sun (the bright disk of the Sun itself), even for just a few seconds, can cause permanent damage to the retina of the eye, because of the intense visible and invisible radiation that the photosphere emits. This damage can result in impairment of vision, up to and including blindness. Viewing the Sun's disk through any kind of optical aid (binoculars, a telescope, or even an optical camera viewfinder) is extremely hazardous and can cause irreversible eye damage within a fraction of a second.[71][72]

  Partial and annular eclipses

  Eclipse glasses filter out eye damaging radiation, allowing direct viewing of the Sun during all partial eclipse phases; they are not used during totality, when the Sun is completely eclipsed

  Pinhole projection method of observing partial solar eclipse. Sunglasses do not make viewing the Sun safe. Only properly designed and certified solar filters should be used for direct viewing of the Sun's disk.[73] Especially, self-made filters using common objects such as a floppy disk removed from its case, a Compact Disc, a black colour slide film, smoked glass, etc. These are caused by the sunlight still being able to reach Earth through lunar valleys. The time span between shots is three minutes. Photographing an eclipse is possible with fairly common camera equipment. suggested a possible gravitational shielding effect,[94] which generated debate. In 2002, Wang and a collaborator published detailed data analysis, which suggested that the phenomenon still remains unexplained.[95]On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse moved across North America, passing over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. NASA/JPL-Caltech/VTAD
  FEATURED VIDEO
  2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA (Official Broadcast)
  The Eclipse is over but you can still watch our broadcast of the total solar eclipse as it moved across North America on April 8, 2024, traveling through Mexico, across the United States from Texas to Maine, and out across Canada’s Atlantic coast.


type: url
collection_summary: summary
collection_name: new
t5_summary:
  the quake caused severe shaking in Nanao, with light shaking in Tokyo. the quake also prompted a tsunami of nearly three feet in japan. many survivors remained in limbo, living in evacuation shelters and unsure of their future. a survey released on march 18 shows about 30% of the residents in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, in Ishikawa Prefecture, are yet to return to their towns.

bert_summary:
  Center for Disaster Philanthropy



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  						Last updated: March 19, 2024

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  					Overview				


  Support recovery now
  On the first day of 2024, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) near the northern coast of the Noto Peninsula on the west coast of Honshu, Japan. Wajima, a city in Ishikawa Prefecture, was among the areas most affected by the earthquake. But the city still had most of the total number of casualties. Credit: Ministry of Defense  via X)
  Earthquakes are among the most devastating natural hazards. Read more
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  Roads, utilities and buildings are examples of critical infrastructure that has been damaged. According to the Japanese Red Cross, more than 60,614 houses were damaged. That scale of damage will likely take years to rebuild and require significant financial resources. Many facilities that have hosted disaster survivors are starting to limit the length of stays in anticipation of an increase in tourism demand as the lodging and hotel sector tries to recover from the quake. The Ishikawa Prefectural Government announced on Feb. 19 that it plans to establish temporary accommodations at Noto Airport. With damage to critical infrastructure and at least a temporary disruption to supply chains, food assistance will be needed until market systems are restored. In a BBC report on Jan. 4, Shigeru Sakaguchi, mayor of Wajima, said food and other aid supplies had reached only 2,000 out of 10,000 evacuees from the town. There is a shortage of staff in these facilities as resignations increase due to staff managing their own recovery and familial responsibilities. The faster people can return home or find other permanent housing options, the more it will help accelerate their full recovery. Although Japan is well-known for its dependable disaster relief, some areas need water. Sanitary conditions were poor, as excrement overflowed, and the risk of infectious diseases was a concern. (Photo: The 4th Company, 14th Infantry Regiment, 10th Division conducted a search for a missing person in Otani-cho, Suzu City, Japan. We welcome the republication of our content. As of the end of February, the government’s total spend on relief was about $1.7 billion. On Jan. 5, the U.S. said it was preparing military logistical support and aid for affected regions in Japan. Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) principles are of tremendous concern in everyday life, but can be heightened during an emergency or disaster. EIN: 45-5257937
  ©2024 Center for Disaster Philanthropy
  Made with  by creatives with a conscience
  Total solar eclipse of April 8th, 2024
  The April 8 2024 total solar eclipse spanning Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Watch the Moon’s shadow fly from Mazatlan to Newfoundland on April 8, 2024! The time of eclipse is given in the local time zone. The partial phases last about an hour and 20 minutes. They provide a preview of what you might see on April 8 as the Sun is near the maximum of its 11-year sunspot cycle. You won’t regret traveling to see the Sun’s corona, while you stand in the shadow of the moon! This animated GIF shows the Moon’s shadow arcing across the Pacific, then traversing North America, and ending at sunset not far from Spain. map of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. Partial eclipse begins at 11:58 am CDT, total eclipse begins at xx:xx am CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:26 pm EDT. These are the times and durations of the eclipse at points inside the path of total solar eclipse
  How big will the impact of eclipse visitation be to the path of totality? Then it travels northeast through Mexico and enters the United States at Texas, cuts a diagonal all the way across the country to Maine, and then visits the maritime provinces of Canada. Totality here is up to 4 minutes, 20 seconds along the center line. The path comes close to St. Louis, so there will be a massive amount of traffic south to the path. The metropolitan areas close to the path include St Louis, Cincinnati, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. Click on each map to see a larger version. Many locations are recommended for a combination of duration, percent chance of clear skies, scenery and culture. The Field Guide includes 2 eclipse glasses and is available here. This atlas spans all  partial, annular, hybrid, and total solar eclipses around the globe within 26 years. These maps are from our Atlas of Solar Eclipses — 2020 to 2045. Click to enlarge.. 
  detailed path of the april 8, 2024 total solar eclipse over eastern states of the us. maps and analysis on this website are developed with arcgis mapping technology by esri.com. CONTACT US TO PROMOTE YOUR ECLIPSE OFFER OR DESTINATION HERE

  CONTACT US TO PROMOTE YOUR ECLIPSE OFFER OR DESTINATION HERE

  CONTACT US TO PROMOTE YOUR ECLIPSE OFFER OR DESTINATION HERE

  For the map below, note that times and durations can vary widely even within the same city and some cities are located only partially within the path of totality. All times and durations shown are only representative samples and should be used for general comparison purposes only. CONTACT US TO PROMOTE YOUR ECLIPSE OFFER OR DESTINATION HERE

  Always follow safe eclipse viewing procedures!

nltk_summary:
   

  Center for Disaster Philanthropy



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  						Last updated: March 19, 2024

  Support recovery now


  					Overview				


  Support recovery now
  On the first day of 2024, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake was recorded by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) near the northern coast of the Noto Peninsula on the west coast of Honshu, Japan. According to Mark Lieber, who authored a 2017 study, “In the psychiatric literature, earthquakes have consistently been shown to be associated with mental health problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder in the months and years immediately following the disaster.”
  As summarized by Evidence Aid, the authors of a 2021 study that looked at post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among children and adolescents after earthquakes and floods suggested that rapid screening tests and continuous observation are needed for children and adolescents after disasters and that psychological support should be provided to them, especially girls. EIN: 45-5257937
  ©2024 Center for Disaster Philanthropy
  Made with  by creatives with a conscience
  Total solar eclipse of April 8th, 2024
  The April 8 2024 total solar eclipse spanning Mexico, the United States, and Canada. See the eclipse path, eclipse times, and see where to view the total solar eclipse in the US. The next total solar eclipse to visit North America will be April 8, 2024. The duration of totality will be up to 4 minutes and 27 seconds, almost double that of The Great American Eclipse of August 21, 2017. The 2017 total solar eclipse was witnessed by about 20 million people from Oregon to South Carolina, and the upcoming 2024 Great American Eclipse is sure to be witnessed by many millions more. In the US, totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CDT and will end in Maine at 3:35 pm EDT on April 8, 2024. Our GIF below, books, maps, and our new mobile app, show exact times and durations in many locations along the path of totality. These images from the April 20, 2023 total solar eclipse from Exmouth, Australia are kindly provided by Phil Hart. More at philhart.com
  If you’ve never seen a total solar eclipse before, put it on your bucket list and mark the date. This map of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse shows durations of totality, what time greatest eclipse is, the degree of partial eclipse outside the path of totality, and the major cities of North America. map of the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. Duration is 4 minutes, 14 seconds. Partial eclipse begins at 10:51 am MDT, total eclipse begins at 12:07 pm MDT. Partial eclipse begins at 11:55 am CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:12 pm CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 11:58 am CDT, total eclipse begins at xx:xx am CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 12:10 pm CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:27 pm CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 12:14 pm CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:33 pm CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 12:17 pm CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:36 pm CDT. Duration is 4 minutes, 14 seconds. Partial eclipse begins at 12:20 pm CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:38 pm CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 12:22 pm CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:40 pm CDT. Duration is 3 minutes, 47 seconds. Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 pm CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:40 pm CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 pm CDT, total eclipse begins at 1:51 pm CDT. Partial eclipse begins at 1:43 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 2:59 pm EDT. Duration is 3 minutes, 47 seconds. Partial eclipse begins at 1:50 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:06 pm EDT. Duration is 2 minutes, 46 seconds. Partial eclipse begins at 1:53 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:09 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 1:56 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:12 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:13 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:18 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:18 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:18 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:06 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:20 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:26 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:27 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 2:20 pm EDT, total eclipse begins at 3:30 pm EDT. Partial eclipse begins at 3:27 pm ADT, total eclipse begins at 4:37 pm ADT. Duration is 2 minutes, 46 seconds. Partial eclipse begins at 4:03 pm NDT, total eclipse begins at 5:13 pm NDT. The rules are simple; use only ISO-certified-safe solar eclipse glasses and viewers, and keep them on while the Sun is not yet fully eclipsed. Once the sky suddenly turns dark, and the solar corona appears, then you can take off your eclipse glasses or viewers to look at the Sun’s amazing corona. The easiest way to view the partial solar eclipse will be with our ISO-certified-safe eclipse glasses, and SUNoculars, available here. For more instruction on safely viewing the eclipse, visit the American Astronomical Society’s authoritative site, eclipse.aas.org/eye-safety
  These are the cities inside the path of total solar eclipse. The total solar eclipse first touches the mainland near Mazatlan, Mexico. Texas cities
  By celestial luck, the total solar eclipse will drape the major cities of San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Texas will attract many eclipse chasers because of its superior good weather odds, numerous hotel rooms, and an extensive highway system which is key if a last minute relocation to clear skies is needed. Carbondale, Illinois enjoys it’s second total solar eclipse just 7 years after the August 21, 2017 eclipse. The Midwest
  Key cities in the path of total eclipse are Indianapolis, Dayton, Toledo, Cleveland, and Akron. Depending on the weather forecast, there will be a massive number of people leaving the Eastern Seaboard towards the path on the day before and day of eclipse..
  Montreal and Canada
  Montreal is inside the path of total solar eclipse and the major Canadian cities of Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec are within a short drive to the path. By reading the maps, you can look up the start and end times for any location, the duration of totality inside the central path, and the times of greatest eclipse for the partial and total eclipse areas. This atlas spans all  partial, annular, hybrid, and total solar eclipses around the globe within 26 years. Detailed path of the april 8, 2024 eclipse over mexico and texas. These maps are from our Atlas of Solar Eclipses — 2020 to 2045. Detailed path of the april 8, 2024 total solar eclipse over central states of the US. These maps are from our Atlas of Solar Eclipses — 2020 to 2045. Click to enlarge.. 
  detailed path of the april 8, 2024 total solar eclipse over eastern states of the us. These maps are from our Atlas of Solar Eclipses — 2020 to 2045. detailed path of the april 8, 2024 total solar eclipse over maine and canadian maritime provinces. These maps are from our Atlas of Solar Eclipses — 2020 to 2045. We are pleased to offer free desktop or Zoom background maps for installing on your computer at https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/desktop-background/
  On April 8, 2024, nature's grandest spectacle -- a total eclipse of the sun -- will cross over Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Maps, videos, and text throughout GreatAmericanEclipse.com are copyright © Michael Zeiler 2014 - 2023 unless otherwise credited. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse, known as the "Great North American Eclipse," will trace a narrow path of totality across 13 U.S. states. The green middle line represents the eclipse centerline, where totality lasts the longest in each state. To experience the total phase of the eclipse in each state, you must be within the yellow lines. CONTACT US TO PROMOTE YOUR ECLIPSE OFFER OR DESTINATION HERE

  CONTACT US TO PROMOTE YOUR ECLIPSE OFFER OR DESTINATION HERE

  CONTACT US TO PROMOTE YOUR ECLIPSE OFFER OR DESTINATION HERE

  For the map below, note that times and durations can vary widely even within the same city and some cities are located only partially within the path of totality. To determine the precise start time, end time, and duration of totality for your exact location on eclipse day, use the
  								

  interactive Google eclipse maps developed by Xavier Jubier. For the map below, note that times and durations can vary widely even within the same city and some cities are located only partially within the path of totality. To determine the precise start time, end time, and duration of totality for your exact location on eclipse day, use the
  								

  interactive Google eclipse maps developed by Xavier Jubier.


type: html
collection_summary: summary
collection_name: new2
t5_summary:
  tornadoes are assigned a rating by meteorologists from 0 to 5, with 0 being the weakest on the scale and a 5 being the strongest. tornadoes are assigned a rating from 0 to 5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale to estimate their intensity. tornadoes are rated as either an EF-0 or EF-1 and account for the majority of the 1,200 twisters that strike the country every year. the strongest tornado of the year to impact the u.s.

bert_summary:
  National Weather Service meteorologists believe an EF-3 tornado tore through communities in eastern Indiana on March 14. ( )
  Despite the complete devastation to dozens of homes and commercial buildings, there were no reported deaths. There were houses that are leveled, a Taco Bell leveled. At least 38 people were injured during the severe weather outbreak in the Hoosier State, and at least one EF-3 tornado is suspected to have impacted communities around Indian Lake, Ohio. MAN SURVIVES STRONGEST JANUARY TORNADO IN FLORIDA HISTORY: ‘LIKE NOTHING I’VE EVER SEEN’
  Before the Winchester tornado, the year’s strongest twister was considered to be an EF-3 that struck the Florida Panhandle on Jan. 9. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. All rights reserved
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  The Berkshire's mightiest independent alternative newsthing. AccuWeather experts say this season will be drastically different compared to last year. Tornadoes could also spin up more frequently in California this year. While expecting a more active season in the traditional Tornado Alley, AccuWeather experts warn families and businesses outside of the traditional tornado alley to not let their guard down this year. Long-range forecasters say the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and the return of La Niña will be the major factors that set the 2024 severe weather season apart from 2023. Near-record snowfall in parts of the Midwest last winter kept a lid on severe weather over the region during the first part of the 2023 severe weather season. Water temperatures are currently near to slightly above historical averages. If you do not have a specific storm shelter, an interior, windowless room on the lowest level is ideal. Have multiple ways to get severe weather alerts. The AccuWeather app provides severe weather alerts faster, on average, than any other source. Spring cleaning at home or in the workplace is a good opportunity to prepare shelters and safe places. Your email address will not be published. Learn how your comment data is processed.

nltk_summary:
   – A supercell that developed over Indiana and moved into western Ohio is believed to have spawned the strongest tornado of the year to impact the U.S., with estimated winds of 155-165 mph. The severe weather outbreak that occurred during the evening of March 14 and the morning of March 15 produced nearly two dozen tornadoes, with many centered over the Midwest. THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE EXPLAINED
  Tornadoes are assigned a rating by meteorologists from 0 to 5, with 0 being the weakest on the scale and a 5 being the strongest. Most tornadoes are rated as either an EF-0 or EF-1 and account for the majority of the 1,200 twisters that strike the country every year. (FOX Weather)
  SEVERE WEATHER OUTBREAK LEAVES AT LEAST 3 DEAD AS TORNADOES TEAR ACROSS MULTIPLE STATES
  It is important to note that during the usually brief lifespan of a tornado, its strength varies, but it always earns the top rating where the damage is usually the most significant. Winchester tornado map
   (FOX Weather)
  "In this concentrated area, the NWS Team estimated maximum winds of 155-165 mph, or high-end EF3 damage. Because of the thorough analysis of the remnants of these buildings, meteorologists were able to rate the tornado as a strong EF-3 and just below the threshold for an EF-4, which has winds of 166-200 mph. Remnants of a Taco Bell in Winchester, Indiana after an EF-3 tornado on March 14, 2024. ( )


          Small office building destroyed by an EF-3 tornado in Winchester, Indiana. At least 38 people were injured during the severe weather outbreak in the Hoosier State, and at least one EF-3 tornado is suspected to have impacted communities around Indian Lake, Ohio. MAN SURVIVES STRONGEST JANUARY TORNADO IN FLORIDA HISTORY: ‘LIKE NOTHING I’VE EVER SEEN’
  Before the Winchester tornado, the year’s strongest twister was considered to be an EF-3 that struck the Florida Panhandle on Jan. 9. Dozens of structures sustained damage during the tornado, which was estimated to have been on the ground for 5.2 miles and had maximum winds of 140 mph. Florida was an unusual location to experience such a strong twister, and it is believed to have been the strongest January tornado in the state’s history. Florida averages between 50 and 60 tornadoes every year, but many remain on the weaker end of the Enhanced Fujita Scale. Additional reporting by Brad Brooks in Longmont, Colorado, Gnaneshwar Rajan, Rishabh Jaiswal and Shubham Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Jane Merriman, Chizu Nomiyama and Bill Berkrot
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  European Union leaders decided on Wednesday to step up sanctions against Iran after Tehran's missile and drone attack on Israel left world powers scrambling to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East. AccuWeather Global Weather Center – March 6, 2024 – The threat of damaging thunderstorms and tornadoes across the United States will rise in the coming weeks as the Spring severe weather season ramps up. The 2024 severe weather season could get off to a slow start, but AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Forecaster Paul Pastelok says it could prove to be much different than last year. The expert team of long-range forecasters at AccuWeather are predicting 1,250 to 1,375 tornadoes across the United States in 2024. The 2024 forecast calls for fewer tornadoes than the 1,423 that were reported across the U.S. in 2023. The spring weather patterns will promote more severe weather in the classic Tornado Alley, which spans from Texas through Nebraska. “Any strong system can produce a couple of tornadoes, mainly EF0 intensity, but an EF1 or EF2 cannot be ruled out,” said Pastelok. The majority of tornadoes last year touched down outside of the traditional tornado alley, especially in March and April, when most severe weather impacted areas from the Midwest through the Tennessee Valley. A whopping 206 tornadoes were reported across the U.S. in March 2023, well more than double the monthly historical average of 80. While expecting a more active season in the traditional Tornado Alley, AccuWeather experts warn families and businesses outside of the traditional tornado alley to not let their guard down this year. “The severe weather threat can be more frequent in the Midwest, Tennessee and Ohio valleys in later March into May, while the northern Plains and Northeast can have an increase in May.” 
  Long-range forecasters say the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and the return of La Niña will be the major factors that set the 2024 severe weather season apart from 2023. “Quick warming of the Great Lakes, combined with below average snowpack in the Midwest, could lead to an early start to severe weather season in this region,” said Pastelok.Near-record snowfall in parts of the Midwest last winter kept a lid on severe weather over the region during the first part of the 2023 severe weather season. El Niño is currently driving weather patterns in North America, which typically leads to below-average tornado and hail reports in the Plains. El Niño is expected to weaken throughout the spring, which could allow for an uptick in activity in Tornado Alley from April through May. “If the water is slower to warm in March, this could hold back the number of severe weather reports in March, especially compared to March 2023,” said Pastelok. The water in the Gulf of Mexico could warm up rapidly during the middle and later part of the spring, which is why AccuWeather meteorologists are highlighting May as a critical month for tornado activity. With the shift in severe weather threats expected this spring, AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter says families and businesses need to prepare. “We’ve seen with climate change that severe weather threats, including tornadoes, are happening outside of the time of year and places that people typically associate with tornadoes,” said Porter. “We can’t control tornadoes, but we can do everything possible to mitigate our own risks.


