What Is a Tornado Outbreak?: Perspectives through Time

The term “tornado outbreak” appeared in the meteorological literature in the 1950s and was used to highlight severe weather events with multiple tornadoes. The exact meaning of “tornado outbreak,” however, evolved over the years. Depending on the availability of scientific data, technological advancements, and the intended purpose of these definitions, authors offered a diverse set of approaches to shape the perception and applications of the term “tornado outbreak.” This paper reviews over 200 peer-reviewed publications—by decade—to outline the evolving nature of the “tornado outbreak” definition and to examine the changes in the “tornado outbreak” definition or its perception. A final discussion highlights the importance, limitations, and potential future evolution of what defines a “tornado outbreak.”