A Comparison of Statistical Characteristics and Research Progress of Tornadoes in China to that in Europe and USA

In this paper, the research progresses of tornado in Europe, the United States and in China are overviewed and compared from a historical perspective. The statistical characteristics of tornado occurrence including its temporal (annual, monthly and diurnal) and geographical distributions are also described for the three regions. In recent years, China’s attention to tornadoes and effort in tornado research is gradually increased and tornado research development is discussed.