Tornadoes becoming more frequent in Missouri

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) -- Tornadoes in Missouri are on the rise, even if experts can't say for certain why.

National Weather Service records going back to 1956 show an average of 30 tornadoes a year in Missouri.

But the totals have been higher in recent years.

Last year the weather service counted 42 confirmed twisters in Missouri.

There have been 35 logged so far this year.

The state record was 102 tornadoes in 2006.

State climatologist Pat Guinan (GY'-nin) said it's difficult to say if climate change is linked to increasing tornado numbers since records go back only to the 1950s. The numbers could also be linked to better detection and verification.

Missouri observes Tornado Awareness Week March 10-14.

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Information from The Joplin Globe: http://www.joplinglobe.com