On May 6, multiple funnel clouds abruptly touched down in Pennsylvania, forming a tornado following large thunderstorms and heavy rain. Many trees, especially in the Bangor Area, were ripped down by the storm.

Places like Arlington Heights, Stroudsburg, Northampton County, East Stroudsburg, reported seeing funnel clouds, heavy rain, and perhaps even a tornado. In Bangor, storm chasers reported seeing tornadoes and/or funnel-shaped clouds preparing to form a tornado. The Bangor tornado was reported to be an EF0 or EF1, meaning it was not significantly dangerous, but it did cause damage to some of the agricultural growing in the wooded part of town.

Due to the mountainous region that makes up the area, experiencing a tornado in the Poconos is uncommon.  Tornadoes cannot withstand the change in altitude for long periods, they need to travel on flat land. Because the altitude for mountains is much higher than a simple, flat plain, the air is colder and much drier. The warm, moist air of a plain is significantly more favorable to tornadoes. This air is crucial for a funnel cloud to develop into a tornado, and for a small tornado to turn into a larger one. The curves of mountains or hills cause instability of the twister, and the storm becomes depleted.

The weather, especially in Pennsylvania, has become significantly unnatural and unpredictable. Scientists have researched the reason why the weather in a state has gotten to be so strange compared to earlier years. The leading cause of this shift is climate change.

In Pennsylvania, climate change has caused larger and stronger amounts of precipitation, more extreme weather, and, of course, warmer temperatures. This past winter did not last long; however, there were events of excessive snowfall. Winter ended quite early compared to previous years, with warmer temperatures starting up in March.

Climate change has also led to dry conditions during summer and fall, too. Finally, and most recently, there has been heavy rainfall, and even chances of having hail have increased.

According to mediaengagment.org, “The number of tornadoes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware increased by 600 percent in the past five years-” a dramatic rise in a region once relatively safe from twisters.”

Ultimately, Pennsylvania, which was once safe from tornadoes, now has a new threat in addition to the typical snow and ice.