Methodology & Data Sources

Overview

The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker is an informational system designed to present recent tornado reports using official United States government reporting data.

The tracker displays tornado reports from the most recent 24-hour period and newly published or updated official reports released within that timeframe. This approach reflects how tornado reporting occurs in practice and helps ensure that recently confirmed activity is not missed.

This system does not provide forecasts, alerts, or emergency instructions.
‍

Purpose of the Tracker

The purpose of the 24-Hour Tornado Tracker is to provide clear, time-bounded context around recent tornado reporting activity.

Tornado reports are often released in stages and may be published hours or days after an event due to damage surveys, overnight confirmations, or reporting delays. This tracker is designed to present recent information without speculation or interpretation beyond official classifications.
‍

Data Displayed

The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker displays:

• Tornado reports from the most recent 24-hour period
• Newly published or updated official tornado reports
• General location information (city, county, state)
• Report status (reported or survey confirmed, when available)
• EF ratings when officially assigned
• Summary counts of reported activity
  ‍

All information is displayed for informational and contextual purposes only.

‍

Data Sources

Data used by the 24-Hour Tornado Tracker is sourced exclusively from official United States government weather reporting systems, including:

• National Weather Service (NWS)
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
• Storm report feeds used by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
  ‍

Steadfast Storm Shelters does not generate, modify, or independently verify tornado reports.

‍

Reporting Window Methodology

The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker uses a hybrid reporting window to determine which reports are displayed.

A tornado report may appear on the tracker if either of the following conditions is met:

• The reported tornado event occurred within the last 24 hours, or
• The official report was newly published or updated within the last 24 hours

This methodology accounts for normal reporting delays while maintaining a clear, rolling display window. Reports automatically roll off the tracker as they age beyond the display window.
‍

Report Status Definitions

Tornado reports may appear in different stages of review:

• Reported
  Early reports submitted through official government reporting channels. These reports may be revised, consolidated, or removed as additional information becomes available.
• Survey Confirmed
  Reports that have been verified following post-storm damage assessments conducted by official authorities.
  ‍

EF ratings are typically assigned after surveys are completed and may not be immediately available.

‍

Update Frequency

• Tornado report data is refreshed automatically at regular intervals
• The tracker always reflects the most recent available data
• Updates may be delayed slightly due to reporting or processing latency
  ‍

The timestamp shown on the tracker reflects the most recent data update.
‍

Why a 24-Hour Window Is Used

A 24-hour reporting window provides recent, time-bounded context without mixing current activity with older historical events.

Because tornado reports are sometimes published or updated after initial events occur, newly released official reports may appear even if the event itself occurred earlier. This approach aligns with how tornado data is summarized by meteorological agencies and referenced by news organizations.
‍

Known Limitations

Users should be aware of the following limitations:

• Tornado reports may be preliminary and subject to change
• Not all tornado reports result in confirmed tornado touchdowns
• EF ratings may not be immediately available
• Location data reflects reported areas, not exact damage paths
• Reporting timelines and practices may vary by event and region
  ‍

This system prioritizes accuracy and restraint over speed or speculation.

‍

What This System Does Not Do

The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker does not:

• Predict tornado development
• Provide forecasts or outlooks
• Issue emergency alerts or warnings
• Replace NOAA Weather Radio or local emergency notifications
• Interpret storm severity beyond official classifications
• Guarantee immediate inclusion of all tornado activity

For real-time storm conditions, users should reference Storm Mode or official NWS alerts.
‍

Relationship to Other Steadfast Systems

The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker is designed to complement:

• Storm Mode for real-time watches, warnings, and radar
• Tornado History for long-term historical context

Together, these systems provide real-time awareness, recent activity context, and historical exposure.

‍

How to Cite the 24-Hour Tornado Tracker

Data from this system may be cited as:

“According to Steadfast Storm Shelters’ 24-Hour Tornado Tracker, which compiles official National Weather Service and NOAA tornado report data using a rolling reporting window…”

Transparency Statement

The 24-Hour Tornado Tracker is provided for informational purposes only. Steadfast Storm Shelters does not provide meteorological forecasts, emergency alerts, or safety instructions through this system.