Local forecasters are predicting that the jet stream will be pretty much over the normal "tornado alley," and with lots of moisture in the soil from the unusually wet prior couple of months conditions are "right" for more frequent tornadoes during the coming season.

On the contrary side, the number thus far for the year is well below average. It could be that we could have fewer twisters, but with more major ones. (They're definitely hedging their bets.)

The "first of the season" tornado in OK was a bit unusual as it was a fairly strong one and stayed on the ground much longer than is usual for early season ones, with a report of it being on the ground for about 45 minutes. I haven't heard an official report on a category, but suspect it might be cat 3 or 4. Fortunately it was on the ground in a mostly unpopulated area, with only five houses destroyed and about a dozen "de-roofed." Fifty or so miles east it might have found a lot more property (and people) to digest.

John