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Tornadoes

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Statistically tornadoes kill more people in the United States than hurricanes. For this debate, I am assuming that we are referencing the U.S. and not worldwide, although there can be an argument made for either.

As for the United States, an average of 1,100 tornadoes occur each year. This year (so far) has proven to be much above the average. Three reasons that tornadoes are deadlier in this country in particular are the unpredictability of tornadoes, lack of sufficient shelter, and arguably most importantcomplacency.

One recent example occurred June 11th at a Boy Scout camp near Little Sioux, Iowa. Four Boy Scouts were killed and dozens injured in a high EF2 or low EF3 tornado. The survivors claimed there were only seconds to take cover. The question remains, why so little time? The Nation Weather Service in Omaha had issued a tornado warning for the area at 6:23 local time and the camp was struck at 6:45. That is a 22 minute warningexcellent lead time for a tornado and ample time to seek shelter, yet young men died.

There is a finger of blame to be pointed, however the question is where? Was the camp equipped with a weather radio, or a landline telephone? Given the remoteness of the area and the fact that the area was under a tornado watch, either of these two things could have been utilized for a much more advanced warning. During the peak season, tornado warnings in tornado alley are commonplace. People tend to ignore them and go about their routine until a tornado is actually sighted. A dangerous practice considering that tornadoes can be hidden by rain, or lack a condensation funnel and remain virtually invisible. Was it the complacency of the troop leaders that caused this tragedy?

There are shelters specifically designed to prevent injury and death in a tornado. Was one in place at the camp site? I propose that all recreational areas and campgrounds should provide such shelter. With a sufficient shelter and sufficient lead time, this tragedy could have been prevented.

Although the conditions for tornadoes can be easily determined, it is impossible to accurately predict when or where one will touch down in a particular area. Doppler Radar can detect rotation in the storm, but Doppler is limited in its capacity to determine if there is a tornado on the ground. Spotters are crucial to aid the NWS in this capacity. Doppler may also be used to predict a theoretic path, however, tornadoes can meander and even travel in loops. One example could be the outbreak

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