Fortnite update 19.01 patch notes: Tornadoes, lightning, Flare Guns and Competitive fixes

Fortnite update 19.01 has been released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PC, Android and Nintendo Switch.

The latest Fortnite download is a content update, meaning there’s no server downtime to deal with.

Unlike previous content updates, 19.01 is also fairly meaty, adding multiple new features to Battle Royale.

This includes extreme weather systems such as twisty tornadoes and lightning bolts.

Epic Games explains more: “Today’s Island forecast: extreme weather including tornadoes and lightning storms!”

Perhaps surprisingly, tornadoes aren’t actually there to be avoided. Instead, you can use a tornado to escape a sticky situation.

According to Epic Games, entering a tornado will spin players around and around, until they choose to glide to safety.

Even better, players entering a tornado won’t suffer fall damage once thrown from the gusts.

“If you see a dark cloud start to form, that’s not necessarily a signal to flee either,” Epic continues.

“Sure, the lightning from it deals a small amount of damage (and sets the surrounding area on fire) but the power of its shock gives players a temporary speed boost.”

“How to increase your chance of getting struck by lightning? Jump into a body of water beneath the cloud, or reach the highest land point under it!

“Lightning doesn’t strike twice back-to-back — once you’ve been struck, lightning won’t strike you again right after.”

To mark the release of extreme weather, Epic Games is holding Tornado Week from now until January 17. 

“In Tornado Week, running from now to January 17 at 9 AM ET, there’s a higher percent chance you’ll encounter tornadoes around the Island for their debut. The wind is at your back!”

Finally, Flare Guns have been unvaulted in update 19.01. Players can use Flare Guns to spread flames and cause damage.

Flare Guns are available in all the usual places, including Chests, on the ground, and from Supply Drops.

Fortnite update 19.01 patch notes…

New features…

• Flare Gun Unvaulted

 – in addition to Firefly Jars, you can spark Flare Guns to make use of spreading flames. Find Flare Guns in Chests, on the ground, and from Supply Drops!

• Extreme weather – Tornadoes and Lightning

 – Cyclones are at high intensity to mark this climate shake-up.

Competitive notes…

• Tornadoes and lightning are not included in competitive playlists.

• Flare Guns are currently not in competitive playlists but are subject to an evaluation period.

 – During this Season, items like the Flare Gun and Shield Keg could potentially be introduced to competitive playlists after a one-to-two week evaluation period.

 – In this Season in particular, we’re evaluating the viability of more mid-Season items introduced to competitive playlists than in recent previous Seasons.