NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information
According to data from NOAA's Storm Prediction Center, during November, there were 8 preliminary tornado reports. This is significantly less than the 1991-2010 average of 58 for the month. Tornado activity during November varies greatly from year to year, with the Gulf Coast states typically receiving the most November tornado occurrences. During November 2012, two of the preliminary tornado reports were in Louisiana, two in California, and four in Minnesota.
January-November Tornado Counts
The below-average tornado activity during November was a continuation of a slower-than-average tornado year for the country. The preliminary number of tornadoes during January-November was 894, with 94 tornado reports still pending for September, October, and November. This marked the lowest January-November tornado count since 2002.
An unusual weather pattern for November brought severe weather to Minnesota on November 10th. As a cold front approached from the west, record warm temperature surged into the Upper Midwest. As the cold front moved through Minnesota, it spawned four weak tornadoes in the Twin Cities metro area shortly after sunset. No injuries or fatalities were reported with only light structural damage according to storm reports. This outbreak marks the latest date in the 1950-2012 period of record for a tornado touchdown in Minnesota and only the second time for a tornado to impact the state during November. The only other tornado confirmed in Minnesota in November occurred on November 1st, 2000.