So You Wanna Know About Oklahoma's 2023 Twister Tirade? Let's Get Down to Business (Without Getting Blown Away)
Ah, Oklahoma. Land of the fried onion burger, the birthplace of Garth Brooks, and of course, the state that seems to have a special relationship with those delightful little atmospheric dance partners we call tornadoes.
Now, you might be here because you're a weather enthusiast with a thirst for tornado trivia, or maybe you're planning a road trip and realized you forgot to check the "natural disaster frequency" box on your travel planner. Either way, you've come to the right place! Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to untangle the twister tale of Oklahoma's 2023.
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| How Many Tornadoes In Oklahoma 2023 |
How Many Twisters Touched Down? Brace Yourself... It Was a doozy!
The official count: In 2023, a whopping 74 tornadoes were confirmed to have lassoed their way across Oklahoma. That's right, folks, 74 swirling vortexes of fun (unless you're caught in their path, then not so much fun).
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
Some perspective: While 74 might sound like a number straight out of a disaster movie, it's actually a little above average for Oklahoma. The state usually sees around 67 twisters a year, so 2023 wasn't a complete tornado apocalypse... but let's not downplay it either.
When Did These Twister shenanigans Occur? Buckle Up for a Tour of Twister Season
Tornadoes in Oklahoma are kind of like unwelcome houseguests – they tend to show up uninvited during the spring and summer months. And 2023 was no different. The bulk of the twisters touched down between April and June, which is peak tornado season in Oklahoma. Mother Nature really committed to the bit that year.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
But hey, there were a few surprises! We even saw a handful of tornadoes touch down in the normally tamer months of January and February. Looks like even Mother Nature is keeping us on our toes.
So, Where Did These Twisters Wreak Havoc? Oklahoma Says "Hold My Beer"
Let's be honest, tornadoes can touch down pretty much anywhere in Oklahoma. There's no safe zone (except maybe a storm shelter, but that's a whole other story). However, according to the news reports, some of the counties that got the brunt of the 2023 twister tantrum were Cleveland and Pottawatomie. Those folks definitely had an eventful year, weather-wise.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
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How to Tornado-Proof Your Life (Kind Of) - Frequently Asked Questions
Alright, alright, so we can't exactly tornado-proof our lives, but there are ways to be prepared. Here are some quick answers to some commonly asked questions:
How to Prepare for a Tornado?
Tip: Look for small cues in wording.
- Have a plan: Know where your nearest storm shelter is and how to get there quickly.
- Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and be aware of tornado warnings.
- Assemble a disaster kit: Stock up on non-perishable food, water, first-aid supplies, and a battery-powered radio.
How to Spot a Tornado?
- Look for a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud extending from the base of a thunderstorm.
- Large hail can also be a sign of a developing tornado.
How to Take Cover During a Tornado?
- Find a sturdy shelter, preferably underground or in a basement.
- If you can't get underground, get in the center of a first-floor room, away from windows.
- Lie down flat on the ground and cover your head with your arms.
How to Help After a Tornado?
- If it's safe to do so, check on your neighbors and see if they need assistance.
- Follow instructions from emergency personnel.
- Donate to local charities that are helping with relief efforts.
How to Avoid Tornadoes Altogether?
- Move to Switzerland. Just kidding (kind of). There's no guaranteed way to avoid tornadoes, but being prepared is your best bet.
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