March 9, 2006 | Weather | WGNTV.com | WGN TV

March 9, 2006

Dear Tom, There are several hundred tornadoes in the U.S. each year. How many are there worldwide? Anne Omarr Dear Anne, The numbers vary greatly from year to year depending on the nature of the tornado season, but the annual occurrence of U.S. tornadoes stands at about 1,100. Meteorologists estimate that an additional 400 tornadoes occur worldwide each year. That gives the U.S. a dubious distinction: tornado capital of the world. National Weather Service tornado expert Brian Smith tells us that reported tornado occurrences have been increasing, nationally and worldwide, but this does not mean tornado climatology is changing. Rather, it is most likely the result of increasing public awareness of tornadoes and improved communication and reporting systems. A greater percentage of tornadoes that are occurring are being reported.