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Oklahoma's severe weather season was relatively less active. Are weather trends beginning to change?

A tornado in Wynnewood, Oklahoma on May 9, 2016.
J.R. Hehnly
/
OKStorms.com
A tornado in Wynnewood, Oklahoma on May 9, 2016.

Though this year’s storm season was less severe, National Weather Service meteorologist Rick Smith says not to get used to it.

"Overall, when we look at the statistics, we have had a below average number of tornadoes the past two years. However, if you look at 2019, we set a record for the most tornadoes ever recorded in the state in a calendar year so there's a lot of variation in those numbers," said Smith.

Though we have seen fewer tornadoes recently, Smith says it’s too early to call it a trend.

"If you look at the last 20 years of tornado history in Oklahoma,13 of the last 20 years have been above average. So, we're not seeing any trend at all that indicates that tornadoes are becoming less frequent or anything like that in the state."

As it stands, Oklahomans should not expect any real decrease in tornadoes in the state and should always have a severe weather plan.

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