State Climatologist: December tornadoes are uncommon, but not rare

Posted on December 15, 2021

*The last big December tornadoes in Illinois were in 2018 and 2015. (WJBC file photo)*

By IIS Radio

SPRINGFIELD – There have been about 96 tornadoes occurring in the month of December in Illinois between 1950 and 2020, so they do happen says State Climatologist Trent Ford.

“There is not a tornado season in Illinois and when we do get tornadoes in December, as well as January, February and November, they can actually be disproportionately impactful as far as fatalities and injuries,” said Ford.

Ford says that’s likely because people aren’t as alert for tornadoes in the winter, and they are harder to see since it gets dark so early.

The last big December tornadoes in Illinois were in 2018 and 2015.

WJBC News can be reached at [email protected]

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