I am flying to Orlando,Fl on January 6, 2013 and am staying until around the 17th of January, 2013. I was born in California and have only been to a few other states (none in South or Midwest). In California the most we ever got in the way of weather was rain and a rumble of thunder (one or twice in my life. I am now mid twenties). What I am asking is:
1) What are the chances there will be a tornado in Florida when I am there? I know that geographically the state of Florida is in the South and the South (along with the Midwest) is famous for tornadoes. Someone told me that in winter tornadoes will never happen because of the cold weather. They said the Spring is the most common time of the year, along with Summer. But when I heard about the Christmas tornado outbreak (did it end up hitting Florida also?) I became worried. Please understand that I have never seen a thunderstorm let alone a tornado. So I am nervous.
2) I know that Florida gets tornadoes around hurricane season (spawned by hurricane), but are those waterspouts or actual tornadoes? In California we get waterspouts (fair-weather not tornadic). Has Florida ever had an F-4 or F-5 tornado? Like Joplin for instance or the Tri-State tornado? If so, I will be at a hotel and will have no basement for cover!! Isn’t the death rate 100% during a F-3, F-4 and especially an F-5 without a basement? I know Florida boarders Georgia, so the Panhandle probobly gets tornadoes, but what about Orlando????? In January?????
3) If a tornado did come (I pray to God one will not!!!) what can you do to stay safe and not blow away? When a tornado passes over a building or house does it always suck the objects or people out? That is what I am most terrified of. Being sucked up in the huge funnel and spun 200 mph!!! Many people are afraid to visit California due to our earthquakes, but tornadoes seem scarier to me!!!
I hope I did not ramble on, but I hope I will be alright. This is my first real time in Florida (besides as a baby) and I hope no freak storm will occur like the one on Christmas. Thank you for all of your answers.
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Tornado In Orlando Florida-storm Chasers, Locals, And Anyone Else Affiliated With Weather?
Posted on December 29, 2012.
The peak season for tornadoes in the Gulf coastal area is during early Spring. However, recent data also shows a peak season during the Fall months. Tornado chances increase in the presence of a tropical storm system such as a hurricane. The chances of a tornado occurring in Florida in the winter months is very low. However, tornadoes can form anywhere and at anytime if the atmospheric conditions are favorable. Florida did get two December tornadoes this year. An EF1 and an EF0 near Edgewater on December 10th.
Waterspouts can actually be tornadic. Hurricanes often spawn tornadoes in their outer bands. Florida has seen two EF4’s. One in 1958 and another one in 1966. In the past 55 years, there hasn’t been any EF5 tornadoes in Florida.
If the weather should get severe enough that you need to take shelter, remain calm. If possible get to the lowest level of the building/house and/or an interior room or area. This would be an area with no windows nor walls that share with the outside. If you are in a multi-level apartment complex or hotel, get to the lowest floor.
If you can not get to a sturdier shelter, The National Weather Service states to find a low ditch or culvert and lay flat as can be face down if no other shelter can be found. This would be a last resort action. Do not try to outrun a tornado in a vehicle. Some tornadoes have been known to travel up to 70MPH. If caught in a vehicle, do not seek shelter under a highway overpass. Wind speeds are actually sped up through the overpasses.
You can keep alert by watching or listening to local news. Can also listen to NOAA weather radio. These radios alert you of any watches or warnings issued for your area. They can be purchased at almost any department store.