As we approach the end of 2012, we are getting a better perspective of how this year stacks up, compared to normal. One of the more notable statistics this year has been the number of tornadoes - and just how few there have been, compared to average, across the nation.
Typically, by the middle of November, about 1,480 tornado reports are filed by the National Weather Service. That's the "average to date" through November 16th.
So far in 2012, there have been 1,041 preliminary tornado reports across the continental US. That's about 30% fewer than the long-term average in the United States.
Last year, there were many more... the year 2011 ended with 1,897 tornado reports.
Preliminary tornado reports are typically investigated by National Weather Service storm survey crews. After a survey is complete, tornado intensity, path length and width is confirmed.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:46:40 GMT
The month of May will likely end up in the top 10 list for the driest May's on record. Despite the dry month it does not look like we are headed for a repeat performance of last year's drought and extreme
The summer forecast calls for above average rainfall for most of the Great Lakes region with near average temperatures.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 6:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 22:20:37 GMT
If a tornado threatens, get into the basement. If you don't have a basement, a small, interior room in the lowest floor of your home is relatively safe. Avoid rooms with windows. Mobile homes are not safe in a tornado.
If a tornado threatens, get into the basement. If you don't have a basement, a small, interior room in the lowest floor of your home is relatively safe. Avoid rooms with windows. Mobile homes are not safe in a tornado.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 1:54 PM EDT2013-05-21 17:54:25 GMT
Portions of Moore, Oklahoma were ravaged by a mile-wide tornado this Monday afternoon. This follows a near-record quiet start to tornado season. Strong storms may reach northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan by Tuesday.
Recovery efforts continue in Moore, Oklahoma after a catastrophic tornado on Monday. The tornado season that began quietly in 2013 has roared to life this week. Severe weather is possible in Northwest Ohio on Tuesday and Wednesday. 13abc and 13abc.com will update throughout the day.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:15 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:15:43 GMT
Thousands of shipwrecks rest close to home and some local divers are on a mission to discover them. The weather on Lake Erie can be violent at times without much warning. Darkness, fog, wind and waves
Local divers are on a search to discover some of the thousands of shipwrecks on the bottom of Lake Erie.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:02 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:02:23 GMT
Toledo police shot and killed a man with a gun early Thursday morning. Police say officers were patrolling in the 1000 block of Page Street around 12:30 when they saw a man pointing a gun at a woman.
A Toledo police officer shot and killed a man overnight. Police say the man was standing over a woman with a shotgun. We're told the woman is now thanking the officers for saving her life.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:49 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:49:00 GMT
Frozen dessert shop Apricato opened its third location in downtown Perrysburg Thursday. Apricato serves a healthier option to frozen treats. They serve frozen yogurt and parfaits, with the option to add
Frozen dessert shop Apricato opened its third location in downtown Perrysburg Thursday. Apricato serves a healthier option to frozen treats.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:32:43 GMT
The 13abc I-Team is investigating some huge and surprising utility bills for several Maumee residents who were surprised to open their bills and find they were up to ten times the normal amount. I-Team
The 13abc I-Team is investigating some huge and surprising utility bills for several Maumee residents who were surprised to open their bills and find they were up to ten times the normal amount.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:09:15 GMT
A new charter school in downtown Toledo is offering students a blended school environment. Students spend four hours in a classroom, and the rest of the curriculum is offered online. We spend the day
A new charter school in downtown Toledo is offering students a blended school environment. Students spend four hours in a classroom, and the rest of the curriculum is offered online. We spend the day at Nexus Academy of Toledo to see how the program works.
Thursday, May 23 2013 4:02 PM EDT2013-05-23 20:02:17 GMT
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's elections chief said Thursday a first-of-its-kind statewide review found instances of voter fraud in the battleground state during last year's presidential election but not
Ohio's elections chief said Thursday a first-of-its-kind statewide review found instances of voter fraud in the battleground state during last year's presidential election but not rampant abuses.
Thursday, May 23 2013 12:47 PM EDT2013-05-23 16:47:37 GMT
Source: TPS website
Police have arrested five teens, including four Bowsher High School Students, for a senior prank that went awry. Court documents say the five were caught on surveillance camera throwing paint, birdseed,
Police have arrested five teens, including four Bowsher High School Students, for a senior prank that went awry.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:46 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:46:40 GMT
The month of May will likely end up in the top 10 list for the driest May's on record. Despite the dry month it does not look like we are headed for a repeat performance of last year's drought and extreme
The summer forecast calls for above average rainfall for most of the Great Lakes region with near average temperatures.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:07:37 GMT
The picture has been shared over 23,000 times on Facebook. It shows a note pinned to a car. In the note, Facebook user, Jeremy Jon, explains that he took the car owners dog to the Bowling Green Police
Police say viral photo on Facebook is a hoax. Man claimed to save a dog and then posted it on the social network to impress a girl.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:39 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:39:26 GMT
We often report stories on the Ohio State Highway Patrol's K-9 unit. The dogs help Troopers find huge quantities of illegal drugs in our region every year. But between the big hits is a lot of hard work,
Ride along as an elite group of four legged crime fighters and their handlers take drugs off Northwest Ohio roads.
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