Georgia experiences tornadoes and is susceptible to these powerful weather events. Understanding their occurrence and conditions is important for residents.
Tornado Occurrence in Georgia
Tornadoes occur in Georgia throughout the year, with a distinct peak season from March through May. April is the most active month. While spring is the primary season, tornadoes can also occur during the fall and winter.
On average, Georgia records 20 to 30 tornadoes annually. Historically, over 1,450 tornadoes have occurred in the last five decades. Many are weak, lasting minutes with winds under 100 miles per hour. However, about 37 percent are strong or violent (EF2 or greater on the Enhanced Fujita Scale), capable of producing winds between 100 and 300 miles per hour and lasting longer. Georgia has experienced EF-4 tornadoes, but an EF-5 has never been recorded.
Georgia’s Tornado-Prone Regions
The entire state of Georgia is prone to tornadoes, with historical data showing occurrences in every county since 1950. Georgia is situated within “Dixie Alley,” an area in the Southern United States vulnerable to strong and violent tornadoes. This region extends from eastern Texas and Arkansas through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and into Georgia and Tennessee.
Tornadoes in Dixie Alley, including Georgia, can be dangerous due to higher population density, terrain that obscures visibility, and faster storm speeds. The hilly landscape and common rain-wrapped tornadoes make them difficult to see. Northern Georgia is generally more susceptible, with a “small tornado alley” stretching from Rome to Gainesville to Newnan, encompassing cities like Atlanta, Marietta, Canton, and Cartersville. Counties such as Fulton, Cherokee, and Coweta have recorded a higher number of tornadoes.
Understanding Tornado Conditions
Tornadoes form when specific atmospheric conditions create severe thunderstorms. A key ingredient is atmospheric instability, involving warm, moist air near the ground beneath cooler, drier air aloft. This setup allows for strong updrafts, where warm, humid air rapidly rises.
Another significant factor is wind shear, a change in wind speed and direction with increasing height. Wind shear can cause the updraft to rotate, leading to a mesocyclone within a thunderstorm, which can then produce a tornado. The collision of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico with cooler, drier air from northern regions frequently contributes to these conditions in Georgia. Supercell thunderstorms are most commonly associated with tornado formation.
Preparing for Tornadoes
Being prepared for tornadoes involves knowing where to seek shelter and how to stay informed. The safest place during a tornado is an underground storm shelter or basement. If unavailable, a small, windowless interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, such as a bathroom, closet, or hallway, offers the next best protection. Get under something sturdy like a heavy table or workbench.
Mobile homes are not safe during a tornado and should be evacuated for a more robust structure or designated shelter. If caught outdoors or in a vehicle, lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head. Avoid attempts to outrun the tornado in a car or seeking shelter under overpasses. Staying informed about weather alerts is important, through a NOAA Weather Radio, local television and radio broadcasts, or the Ready Georgia mobile app. Understanding the difference between a “tornado watch” (conditions are favorable) and a “tornado warning” (a tornado has been sighted or indicated) is crucial for timely action.