Severe Weather Outlook for North Texas
Widespread storms are expected Monday night into Tuesday, with the metroplex seeing an elevated risk for severe weather.
In particular, the greatest risk area — where there could also be large hail and damaging winds — is along and east of I-35 during the overnight and early morning hours, according to the weather service. “A tornado or two” is also possible, it said.
Peak Tornado Season in North Texas
According to data from the National Weather Service in Fort Worth, more than half of the tornadoes that swept through North and Central Texas from 2019 to 2023 occurred in the months of March, April and May. In 2023, only one of the 15 tornadoes that swept through the region did not occur in those months and touched down in October.
In May 2024, 7 people died and 80 were injured after a twister blew through Valley View, a town of under 800 people north of Denton in Cooke County.
Understanding Tornado Seasons
“Generally, March, April, May is our peak season for North Central Texas,” Allison Prater, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service office in Fort Worth, said in April 2024.
March through early June are generally high peak severe seasons, Prater said, but severe weather can happen any time of the year. She said it does quiet down a little in the summer although the region does see storms, referred to as popcorn convection, which are typically small short-lived storms common in the afternoon.
Secondary Peak Season
There is a secondary peak severe season into October and November, she said.
“We’re still warm, but we’re starting to get stronger cold fronts, which can also spur stronger systems,” Prater said.
In December 2022, for example, North Texas saw at least 14 tornadoes touch down, six of which were in Tarrant County.
Tornado Alley and Factors Contributing to Tornadoes
Ultimately, it depends on the storm systems itself and the environmental conditions, Prater said. Factors conducive for a tornado include increased wind shear, the change in directions the winds are blowing at the surface and at higher elevations and a great deal of moisture.
Portions of North Texas also fall into the Tornado Alley, a term coined by two meteorologists in the 1950s that describes the area believed where tornadoes are the most frequent.
“Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, going into even the Texas Panhandle and portions of North Texas consider themselves in the Tornado Alley,” Prater said.
Tornado Rating Scale
Tornadoes are rated on the Enhanced Fujita scale from EF0 (lowest) to EF5 (highest), measuring wind speed and storm damage. In 2023, several EF1 tornadoes touched down in North Texas, including one in Irving that tore off part of the facade of a car dealership.
D-FW Weather Wise
Related:Dallas-Fort Worth could see showers Sunday, ahead of severe storms this week
Conclusion
Severe weather is a significant threat in North Texas, particularly during the peak seasons of March, April, and May. Understanding the factors that contribute to tornadoes and being aware of the tornado rating scale can help individuals prepare and stay safe during severe weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the peak season for tornadoes in North Texas?
A: The peak season for tornadoes in North Texas is March, April, and May.
Q: What is the Enhanced Fujita scale?
A: The Enhanced Fujita scale is a rating system that measures the wind speed and storm damage of tornadoes, ranging from EF0 (lowest) to EF5 (highest).
Q: What is Tornado Alley?
A: Tornado Alley is a term that describes the area where tornadoes are most frequent, including states such as Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and portions of North Texas.
Q: Can severe weather occur outside of the peak season?
A: Yes, severe weather can occur at any time of the year, although it is less common during the summer months.
