No Tornadoes in the Continental U.S. for January 2003

[Stormsfury]

For the first time since January 1986, there were no U.S. reported tornadoes.

Just 3 years prior in 1999 - a confirmed record 212 tornadoes touched down across the U.S. (Tornado statistics can be found at my website for 1950-1999).

[wx247]

After a twister nearly missing my house in December, I can't say I am sorry at the figures here. I hope we don't make up for it later in the year.

Garrett

[Stormsfury]

In 1986, the overall tornado activity was below average that year. Most of the country on this year was in the grips of a major drought, and in the summer, a major heat wave.

A lot of people that remember 1986, particularly that summer, was one of the hottest summers on record. Charleston, SC suffered its worst heat wave for consistency. Looking back at some of the records, I believe that Charleston had 9 straight days over 100, the highest being 104 on July 19th and 20th, 1986. This was also combined with quite high humidities, with brought the heat indecies at time close to 120 - possibly higher. During the overnight hours offered no relief as sea breezes finally punched inland after dark, but it only served to hold the temperatures in the low to middle 80's for lows - July 20th, 1986 morning was unbearable.

January 1984 - 1 tornado occurred in the U.S., however, in March 1984 - The 28th proved very deadly for South Carolina and North Carolina as SC worst tornado outbreak occurred on this date. Tatum, SC - an F4 tornado (at one point - 2.5 miles wide), which later moved into NC (possibly becoming F5) - More details can be found at the severe weather section on my website. I will have more information soon on my website as I have found a publication earlier today with tornado specifics in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Only time will tell what Mother Nature will ultimately bring this year ...

[Rob-TheStormChaser]

Feb shouldnt be too far off from Jan....but I really think March will be a bad one..I'm hoping not...but all the trends are there for volatile events.

[Stormsfury]

Looks like this month the SBJ is going to make a return with a vengeance starting with this storm system now exiting off the Mid Atlantic coast.

Definitely more active than what we had in January.