Hurricane Helene is threatening the U.S. mainland with the potential of spawning tornadoes as it moves inland. Tornadoes are often a clear and present danger during hurricanes, and they can occur more than 1,000 miles away from where the hurricane makes landfall. As Helene heads toward the U.S., forecasters are warning about the increased risk of tornadoes, especially with the storm’s huge size. Tornado watches have already been posted in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, prompting officials to advise people to take immediate action if a tornado warning is issued.
Hurricanes can produce tornadoes for days after making landfall, creating a high risk for severe weather. The size of the hurricane, such as Helene’s mean diameter of more than 440 miles, can increase the chances of tornadoes by providing favorable wind conditions. Large hurricanes like Beryl and Ivan have been prolific tornado producers in the past, setting records for tornado warnings in areas far from the storm’s landfall site.
Data on tornadoes in hurricanes has improved with Doppler radar, and since 1995, hurricanes and tropical storms have spawned over 1,700 tornadoes. The eastern half of a hurricane typically sees the most tornado activity due to the presence of moisture, instability, and lift. Despite advances in weather forecasting and technology, the threat of tornadoes during hurricanes remains a serious concern, with many recent storms setting records for tornado warnings issued.
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