With cold weather fronts from the north and warm weather fronts from the Gulf, the area experiences the collision of these weather systems. The average tornado season in both states extends from April to June. Most tornado incidents occur during this period. However, tornados can touch down at other times of the year, and some have been reported during the winter season as well, Tornado touchdowns have been reported by the National Severe Storms Forecast Center in Kansas City, Missouri, for the past 43 years. The distribution of tornados is not equal throughout each state.
Some counties experience much higher incidence than others.
In Georgia, over the past 43 years, the range of touchdowns by county varies between 0-21. In Alabama, the range varies even more with 4-54 touchdowns per county. Meteorological forecasting spotter networks and in recent years Doppler radar are among the numerous ways to monitor these severe storms. Killer tornados touched down in Alabama and Georgia and continued on to wreak destruction in North Carolina. There was no warning system to alert persons to seek cover from the upcoming danger.