TORNADO STATISTICS

With a little over a month left in the year the number of reported tornadoes, 1271, is already above the 30 year average of 1045, though below the 1819 tornado reports of 2004. There have been 79 fatalities due to tornadoes this year, which is up above the 30-year average of 69 per year, though still far below deaths due to floods. Floods remain the most deadly weather related phenomenon.

Fort Smith had a significant Tornado pass through on January 11, 1898. The storm crossed Garrison Ave., devastating many businesses and residences. Unfortunately the tornado hit at 11:15 PM. There is a fascinating account of the storm that was put into booklet form and sold with pictures of the devastation it produced. Here's a link to an online reprint. http://www.fortsmithhistory.com/archive/July2007/Tornado1898text.html

Posted by Ted Zarras at 3:34 PM