Tornado Outbreaks Leave Science Questions Unsettled

Most observers agree that this spring's spate of killer tornadoes is highly unusual by statistical and historical standards. After that, the disagreement starts. Is it a fluke? -- or a sign of La Nina or climate change? Why haven't better warnings helped?

SEE ALSO:

"Explaining the Science of This Spring's Tornadoes" (Los Angeles Times)

"The Facts (and Fiction) of Tornadoes" (New York Times)

"Is Climate Change Playing a Role in Extreme Weather?" (CTV News)

"Missouri Tornado Whips Up Media Discussion of Climate Change And Extreme Weather" (Joseph Romm/Grist)

"Joplin, Missouri, Tornado: Warnings Pale in Season of Violent Twisters" (Christian Science Monitor)

"More Trauma in America's Tornado Hot Zone" (Dot Earth)

"No Link Between Tornadoes And Climate Change: US" (AFP)

"La Nina Weather Pattern May Be Factor in More Tornadoes" (Reuters)

"Finally, Something To Blame for the April 27 Storms" (Anniston Star)

"Climate Change Unlikely Factor in US Tornado Spree" (Forbes)

"What’s Causing the Tornado Tsunami" (Gregg Easterbrook)

"Are Tornadoes More Common Because of Climate Change?" (Guardian)