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New storm patterns shift Tornado Alley east, raising safety concerns
Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — New research shows powerful storms are hitting farther east, raising new concerns about severe weather safety and preparedness.
Tornado season is here and where those twisters strike may be shifting, as researchers say there could be a new Tornado Alley.
The term Tornado Alley was first used in the 1950s to describe parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. For decades, it was considered ground zero for America’s strongest tornadoes, but recent research suggests that may be changing.
Studies show tornado activity is increasing in the Southeast and Mississippi River Valley, with declining tornadoes in the Plains. Meteorologists blame climate factors like drought in the Southwest and warmer Gulf waters for the shift in severe weather patterns.
It’s having a major impact on the weather community, too. Storm chasers say it’s getting harder and more dangerous to follow tornadoes in the South, where dense forests and poor visibility add to the risk.
Experts also warn that the Southeast is more vulnerable to catastrophic impacts due to the increased population, mobile homes, and nighttime storms.
The bottom line? Tornadoes can happen anywhere, not just in the Plains. That’s why meteorologists say the best protection is having a plan, no matter where you live.
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