This year could be the first in the modern record in which no EF4 or EF5 tornadoes touched down in the U.S. The Washington Post’s Ian Livingston noted that 2018 was a “quiet year for tornadoes overall,” with most months seeing lower-than-average twister activity. The U.S. is also on track this year to have the fewest tornado-related deaths since record keeping began in 1875. As of early December, however, only about 10 EF3 tornadoes had been confirmed in 2018 by the National Weather Service. AccuWeather.com said residents in the affected areas should brace for downpours, strong wind gusts and possible isolated tornadoes through Thursday.

Source: Huffington Post December 27, 2018 04:41 UTC