CAPE CORAL, Fla. - Saturday's severe weather was a direct result of the El Nino weather pattern which is expected to last for quite a long time, meaning we could be in store for even more severe weather in the near future.
Robert Garcia, an NWS Meterologist, says, "Unfortunately, we're entering the El Nino tornado season. We're here in January. It tends to peak in February into March. We want folks to know this is kind of the opening warning shot."
Although tornados aren't a common occurrence in January, especially to the strength we experienced Saturday, in an El Nino year, these events become more likely. It was the reason for a below average hurricane season, but those graces don't typically continue in the winter.
Instead, in El Nino winters, severe weather tends to increase for states in the south, leading to more rain events and severe weather and tornados.
In fact, Florida's deadliest tornado outbreaks happened during El Nino years, 42 people died as a result of strong tornados in 1997 - the strongest on record. In 2007, more than 20 were killed by tornados.
This is not to say tornados are going to be happening all the time, but we should have plans in place.
In a few days we could be looking at another weather event with severe potential. Our next disturbance expected to approach the area Thursday night and will be one to watch for sure.
You can stay up to date with the weather and be alerted to severe weather in your area with Fox4's Storm Shield weather app, available on iOS and Android .
