Question: When is Tornado Season in Central Texas?
Although Central Texas gets its share of tornadoes and during severe weather we come under a Tornado Watch many times, Austin itself is rarely the site of tornado touch-downs. However, severe weather warnings should be taken seriously at all times.
Answer: A tornado can occur in any month of the year. However, Spring and Summer are the likeliest times and are considered tornado season here in Texas. May and April have recorded the deadliest tornadoes to strike in Texas over the years. The largest, most deadly tornadoes in Travis and Williamson County in recent years struck on May 27, 1997. Tornadoes can happen at any time of day but the majority of them strike in the afternoon and evening.
During tornado season and beyond, thunderstorms with damaging high winds (with or without tornadoes) and rain resulting in flash flooding occur with great frequency and pose serious threats to people and property.
Tornado Facts for Austin and Travis County (including Lakeway, Manor, Lake Travis, Pflugerville)
These stats are from 1953 through May 31, 2005- Number of Tornadoes: 61
- Largest (F rating) Tornado: F4 on 05/27/1997 in Lakeway
- Deaths Attributed to Tornadoes: 2 (1970 & 1997)
- Injuries Attributed to Tornadoes: 38
- Property Damage: $268 million
Tornado Facts for Williamson County (including Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Jarrell)
These stats are from 1953 through May 31, 2005- Number of Tornadoes: 52
- Largest (F rating) Tornado: F5 on 05/27/1997 in Jarrell
- Deaths Attributed to Tornadoes: 29 (27 in Jarrell after the F5; 1 in 1989; 1 in 1980)
- Injuries Attributed to Tornadoes: 70
- Property Damage: $117 million
Tornadoes by Magnitude for Travis and Williamson Counties
These stats are from 1953 through May 31, 2005- F0 - 37
- F1 - 44
- F2 - 19
- F3 - 8
- F4 - 1
- F5 - 1
- Other - 3 (probably F0 or F1)
Source for tornado facts: National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)
Related Categories: Weather & Environment > Tornadoes
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