What is the National Tornado Database?

The National Tornado Database is a centralized collection of tornado-related data, compiled by organizations such as the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC). This database contains historical and real-time information on tornadoes, including details like date, time, EF (Enhanced Fujita) scale rating, wind speed, path length, and damage reports.

This database is crucial for meteorologists, emergency management agencies, researchers, and the general public. It helps track trends in tornado activity, assess risks for different regions, and improve forecasting techniques. By analyzing past tornado events, experts can develop better safety protocols and enhance warning systems to reduce loss of life and property damage.

For homeowners considering storm shelters or safe rooms, the National Tornado Database provides valuable insight into the frequency and severity of tornadoes in their area. This data can help determine the best type of shelter needed and justify the investment in storm protection.