2012—A year for tornadoes?

In the central United States, more than 150 tornadoes touched down from February 28 through March 3.  These storms killed 49 people and literally wiped several towns “off the map.”  Most of the tornadoes occurred in the five states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Alabama.  “The U.S. has experienced 272 tornadoes this year through March 4, more than twice the seven-year average for the period….”  Damage estimates range from U.S. $1-2 billion so far (Bloomberg.com, March 6, 2012).  2011 was the U.S.’s deadliest year in more than 100 years, with more than 550 deaths, and if the first part of 2012 is any indicator, this could be another very deadly year (ChicagoTribune.com, March 5, 2012).

Bible prophecies make it clear that severe weather will characterize end-time events (Luke 21:11; Leviticus 26:14-15, 19-21).  However, there is a better time coming when the Messiah will usher in an era of unparalleled peace—a time when sorrow, crying, pain and death will begin to disappear (Revelation 21:4).  In the meantime, students of the Bible should not be surprised to witness increasing weather disasters as yet another sign of the end of the age.

For more information about end-time weather and prophecy, review our free booklet: Who Controls the Weather?