2018 sees record low for deadly tornadoes in US

This year is on track to set a record low for the number of Americans killed by tornadoes.

Ten Americans were killed by tornadoes in 2018, the lowest number since unofficial records began in 1875, according to data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Severe Storms Laboratory.

The previous record low was 12 tornado deaths in 1910 and 15 in 1986.

{mosads}An average of 69 people are killed by tornadoes in the U.S. each year, based on 30 years of data from the National Weather Service.

2018 was also the first time since 1950 that no “violent” tornadoes hit the U.S.

The Weather Channel noted that the lack of tornado-related deaths correlates to the lack of strong tornadoes in 2018.

“Accurate and timely watches and warnings – including cellphone alerts – supported in part by improved radar technology play a major role in saving lives throughout the tornado season,” NOAA spokesman Chris Vaccaro told USA Today. 

Deadly tornadoes typically rate on the higher end, such as EF-3 and EF-5, on the Enhanced Fujita scale for tornado intensity.

An EF-1 tornado, however, killed one person in Lawrence County, Missouri, on Dec. 1.

Only 10 EF-3 tornadoes were confirmed to hit in the U.S. as of early December and no tornadoes have reached EF-4 or EF-5 intensity this year, according to data.

The U.S. typically averages 30 EF-3 or stronger tornadoes every year.

The only EF-4 tornado to touch down in North America was in southern Manitoba, Canada on Aug. 10.