At least 20 tornadoes cut a swath of destruction through parts of Oklahoma on Oct. 4, breaking a record for the most tornadoes ever reported at any time in the United States during the month of October since records began in 1950, according to the National Weather Service. The number of confirmed tornadoes in Oklahoma eclipsed the previous mark for October tornado outbreaks set in 1996, when 18 twisters tore through sections of Florida. Typically in southern states, peak tornado season lasts from March through May, while peak months for northern states are during the summer.
Tornadoes can occur at any time during the year any place in the United States.
Grice said the tornadoes were caused by an unstable air mass. With the threat of severe weather always possible, the NWS urges families, communities and businesses to have a severe weather action plan, including ways to seek safety immediately when at home, work, school, or outdoors. The plan also should include keeping a battery-operated NOAA Weather Radio nearby. He praised the value of NOAA Weather Radio, especially when power outages prevent him from activating storm emergency sirens. The NWS Forecast Office in Norman doubled its staff to keep pace with the storm's activity, said Kevin Brown, a senior forecaster in the office.