Friday February 28 CSL Meeting

Tornado Casualties and Climate: Past, Present, and Future

Presenter: Dr. Tyler Fricker
Time: Friday, 28 February 2020, 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: 805 O&M

Abstract: 1500 people are killed or injured in tornadoes in the United States, on average, each year. While large-scale factors related to tornado casualties are well known (e.g. population density and mobile homes), the relationship between tornado casualties and climate is less understood. In response, here I will discuss the state of knowledge regarding tornado casualties and the potential connection between tornado casualties, climate, and society. I will look to describe the rate of tornado casualties as a function of tornado strength and population and investigate future rates of tornado casualties in conjunction with projected changes in tornado behavior and community structure.

Dr. Fricker's full presentation is available here.

Tornado damage from the April 3, 1974 Xenia, Ohio tornado. Credit: Dayton Daily News.