Explaining Friday’s tornado outbreak and what comes next
Washington PostNov 26, 2022
The Facts
At least 21 people have died after a series of devastating tornadoes ripped through multiple US states in the South and Midwest on Friday.
A State of Emergency was declared in Arkansas after a number of tornadoes blasted through Little Rock, killing at least two and injuring nearly 30 as the twister flipped cars, smashed roofs, cut power lines, and toppled trees.
The Spin
Narrative A
This carnage serves as a warning against the rise in global temperatures. We have new visceral evidence of how climate change is increasing the destructive potential of tornadoes, which is why we must act to prevent future tragedies. We must act to stop climate change. We must act fast.
Narrative B
There's no real evidence that tornadoes are happening more often due to climate change. While some types of extreme weather can be directly attributed to global warming, more research is needed to conclude climate change directly affects the frequency and power of tornadoes.
Narrative C
Tornadoes are unavoidable natural disasters whose damage can only be stymied through reinforced infrastructure in tornado-prone areas and early tornado detection. Policies to boost disaster preparedness are crucial to limiting damage once calamity strikes.