COLUMBIA, S.C. — Since late April, more than 260 tornadoes have touched down in the U.S. However, the total number of tornado deaths for 2024 is 17, according to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, or SPC.
It is common for deadly tornadoes to have an EF2 or higher rating from the National Weather Service. Unfortunately, manufactured homes, or mobile homes, cannot withstand violent storms like these. According to the SPC, of the 17 tornado-related deaths, 10 occurred in manufactured or mobile homes.
Advanced warnings largely contributed to a lower death toll. As an example, Barnsdall, Oklahoma received a 44-minute lead time before its first tornado warning. Two lives were lost in the deadly storm, but countless others were spared.
Additionally, proper shelter is essential. EF3 tornado destroyed a family home earlier this month in Alabama, but the family made it to their storm shelter just in time. No lives were lost.