Ein weiteres Video von Don Marcelos. pic.twitter.com/nwofNUBc1K
— Manuel Oberhuber (@manu_oberhuber) May 21, 2024
A tornado formed in Graz in May 2024
However, the dangers of tornadoes lie in flying debris and falling trees, which can be life-threatening.
“The safest thing to do when you see a tornado is to go indoors,” he said.
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Where do tornadoes occur?
Tornadoes in Austria are typically fleeting weather events, often affecting only a small area—usually just a few kilometres.
They can go unnoticed by the public unless they touch down in populated areas. According to data from Geosphere Austria, the Vienna and Graz basins, as well as Burgenland, are hotspots for tornado formation.
Conditions for tornadoes include a combination of moist air, low-pressure areas that slowly contract, or the collision of gust fronts from thunderstorms.
Pistotnik told Der Standard that flat land surfaces also promote tornado development. In 2022, several tornadoes were reported in Lower Austria, particularly in places like Weitersfeld and Ziersdorf, while Upper Austria and Salzburg experienced similar weather events.
Will tornadoes become more common and more dangerous in Austria?
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Whether tornadoes will become more severe in Austria due to climate change is complex. Georg Pistotnik noted that it remains challenging to predict the frequency of tornado occurrences in the future, as this depends on specific weather patterns that are not easily forecasted.
From a global perspective, climate change could increase tornadoes as warmer temperatures contribute to more intense weather events, the expert said.
READ ALSO: COMPARE – How much do Austria’s political parties care about the climate crisis?
Still, Austria’s unique geographical and climatic conditions mean the likelihood of experiencing tornadoes of the same severity as those in the US remains low.
The risks and safety measures
While tornadoes pose a low risk in Europe compared to more general storms which cause natural disasters such as flooding or mudslides and therefore cause significantly more injuries and property damage—preparation and awareness are key to safety.
The strongest recorded tornado in Austria occurred in Wiener Neustadt in July 1916, resulting in 34 fatalities and widespread destruction. Experts remind residents that while deaths from tornadoes in Austria are rare, the potential for severe weather should not be ignored.
Stay informed by regularly monitoring weather forecasts, especially during severe weather season. It’s important to use weather apps or local news channels for real-time tornado warnings and updates. Creating an emergency plan is crucial; designate a safe location in your home where family members can gather during a tornado, ideally in an interior room away from windows.
Additionally, prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as water, non-perishable food, medications, a flashlight, batteries, and important documents. If severe weather is predicted, secure outdoor objects by bringing them indoors or fastening any furniture, tools, or decorations that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.
Finally, be vigilant for signs of an approaching tornado. Look out for dark, greenish skies, large hail, or a loud roar, and if you notice these indicators, seek shelter immediately.
READ NEXT: Will my Austrian home insurance cover storm damage?
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Publish date : 2024-10-09 05:27:00
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