Iowans might be at a slightly higher risk of being hit by a tornado in this “La Nina” year, according to a new study. The Purdue University report analyzed tornado patterns from 1916 to 1996 and sought to determine how the cooler waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean may have influenced twisters in the Midwest. Iowa climatologist Harry Hillacker says the Purdue study found the probability of seeing tornadoes all depends on location andIowa is in a location that might see more twisters. Hillacker says the results of the study aren’t guaranteed. For example, 1998 was a record year for tornadoes. It was an El Nino’ year and there should have been less twisters according to the Purdue study. While Iowa reported 78 tornadoeslast year, the average is 42.
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