No February tornadoes in the US, first time since 1947

CLEVELAND - February is normally an active month for tornadoes in the US, especially in the southeast. But, for the first time since official monthly records began in 1950, there were no February tornadoes reported in the United States.

The National Weather Service keeps track of monthly tornado occurances. Officials at the Weather Service say the last time it’s possible there wasn’t a February tornado was 1947. The last tornado reported in the U.S. was in north-central Tennessee back on 24 January. The last tornado-free month was January 2003.

So, what does this mean for the approaching spring severe weather season?

"Somewhere between a little and nothing at all." said Harold Brooks of NOAA.  "Most years that have started out with few tornadoes have ended up average or below."

Brooks said there are exceptions to that rule. In 2003, the U.S. was tornado-less for the first 45-days of the year. It was the slowest start in the database through April. But, by the end of May, tornado numbers were way above normal.

Brooks added, "Even though it’s been a slow start to the season, people still need to be aware of the threats that may happen later on."