Are tornadoes increasing in both intensity and frequency, or could skewed historical data lead to false conclusions?
This question has vexed climatologists and P&C insurers alike amid the escalating reports of twisters when compared to the previous 15 to 20 years. But researchers at Florida State University (FSU) may have answers, thanks to a model they developed to more accurately gauge tornado risk.
The pioneering researchers provide an overview of the model in “The Decreasing Population Bias in Tornado Reports across the Central Plains,” an article in Weather, Climate, and Society, an academic journal published by the American Meteorological Society. In addition to outlining the methodology, the team offers a plausible explanation as to the discrepancy in confirmed reports: namely, a population bias, coupled with the proliferation of storm chasers and recreational risk-takers roaming Tornado Alley.
Recommended For You
Want to continue reading?
Become a Free PropertyCasualty360 Digital Reader
Your access to unlimited PropertyCasualty360 content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:
- Breaking insurance news and analysis, on-site and via our newsletters and custom alerts
- Weekly Insurance Speak podcast featuring exclusive interviews with industry leaders
- Educational webcasts, white papers, and ebooks from industry thought leaders
- Critical converage of the employee benefits and financial advisory markets on our other ALM sites, BenefitsPRO and ThinkAdvisor
Already have an account? Sign In Now
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
