The National Weather Bureau Reported 47 Tornadoes

Hurricanes Karl, Igor, and Julia (from left to right on Sept. 16) were part of the onslaught of Atlantic storms this season. (Courtesy of NOAA)

The past year, 2010, left roaring. The National Weather Service issued a preliminary report for December 31, 2010, with a total of 139 reported storm events in eight states, seven of which are contiguous.

There were a total of 47 tornadoes or funnel clouds reported in four states. Missouri reported four fatalities and two injured, with extensive damage to homes and other public and private structures.

Thirty occurrences of hail were recorded, with Wright, Mo., reporting the largest ice balls, golf ball to baseball-sized.

High winds killed one person in Phelps, Mo.

There a total of 30 reported incidents of damage from high winds.

Tornado activity for 2010 was 68 higher than the average during the previous five years.

2010 Hurricane Season Ends

According to NOAA, in the Atlantic Basin a total of 19 named storms formed—tied with 1887 and 1995 for third highest on record. Of those, 12 became hurricanes—tied with 1969 for second highest on record. Five of those reached major hurricane status of Category 3 or higher.

An average Atlantic season produces 11 named storms, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes. The 2010 season almost doubled the average named storms (19), doubled the average of those that became hurricanes (12), and more than doubled the average number of major storms formed (five).

Despite the exceptionally active hurricane year, no major damage or loss of life resulted.