Tornadoes made its way through Central Florida overturning small aircraft and releasing cruise ships from its dock. So far, no one was reported killed but several people suffered from minor injuries. Tornado alerts are still in effect along the Tampa, Orlando, and Cape Canaveral areas until early evening.

Around 70 people were temporarily trapped under a tent while watching the popular air show “Sun n Fun Fly-in.” Lakeland Linder Regional Airport had to be shut down for a while after heavy rains and winds. The strong winds flipped over planes tied down. Tampa was experiencing a cold-front resulting to strong winds and storms.

Tornado season begins in mid-April and lasts until June. It is common in the middle portion of the United States. In low lying states and those located in flat lands may experience storms coupled with twisters. Data from Information Please Online Almanac ranks Florida as the fourth in the United States in terms of average annual tornado outbreaks with 50 a year.

Tornado outbreaks in the state are attributed to its location and land mass. It is surrounded by warm tropical waters and is flat and low lying, two criteria that contributes to frequent tornado outbreaks.

The early arrival of winter and spring this year is active for tornadoes. Data from the National Weather Service revealed that February 2011 is the fourth most active ever recorded. Tornado outbreaks were reported in sixteen states in South and Central United States from Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Once the warm and moist air combines with cooler Canadian air masses, the sudden temperature change will trigger tornadoes in the Midwestern states. Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska are the most common states that experience tornado outbreaks in this part of the United States.

Prior to the start of the hurricane season starts June 1, Florida already has its fair share of tornadoes. Although there are rare fatalities in these storms, it is recommended to take the necessary preventive measures.

The National Weather Service recommends staying in a storm shelter or basement in case of tornado outbreaks. An interior room on the lowest floor of the house is the next recommended place to go. If you live in a mobile home or a car, it is best to keep away from these objects and stay in a ditch or lower ground.

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