1. There were 17 tornadoes of F3 intensity in Texas between 1999 and 2006.

2. The amount of time tornadoes spend on the ground is usually measured in minutes.

3. That contributes to the perception that tornadoes are happening more frequently than they used to.

4. Teams will be sent out in the morning to document the damage and rate the tornadoes, he said.

5. An eastward advancing cold front is to blame for the series of tornadoes in recent days.

6. Still, the tornadoes in Texas took people by surprise.

7. The National Weather Service said 39 possible tornadoes were reported over the weekend.

8. Other possible tornadoes will be surveyed later.

9. Both tornadoes damaged homes in the area, uprooted trees and downed power lines.