Climatology of Long-Track Tornadoes

A 40-year climatology (1979–2018) is presented for long-track tornadoes in the United States using Storm Prediction Center tornado database. Path length (PL) stratification thresholds are defined characteristics of supercell storm evolution, and categorized as: all (ALL), PL >0 mi or 0 km; short (S), <30 48.3 long (L), [30, 60) [48.3, 96.6) very (V), [60, 90) [96.6, 144.8) extremely (X), ≥90 144.8 sum (LVX), ≥30 km. Results show LVX tornadoes: a) made up <1% tornadoes; b) occurred east Rocky Mountains; c) were generally wider; d) caused disproportionate numbers deaths injuries; e) typically had damage ratings ≥F/EF2 (peak F/EF3); f) more often with injuries Southeast than Midwest Great Plains; g) larger area scale Destruction Potential Index; h) mostly April May versus June S i) primarily from midafternoon to early evening; j) a peak formation hour at 1600 local solar time (also true ALL S, V X), though L secondary 1800 1500, respectively; k) less common during nighttime l) frequent m) outbreaks.