Tornado Alley Changing in US After Scientists Discover 'Spatial and Seasonal Shifts' in Activity

Tornadoes are rotating vortexes of air that appear like funnel-shaped clouds known for its destructive power along its path, where they can cause potential property damage and even loss of life. Outside the United States, tornadoes can occur in different parts of the world, including South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. However, a tornado outbreak's greatest frequency and risk lies in the US.

Dubbed "Tornado Alley," this region situated in the central part of the US (even extending into Canada) has recorded many tornadoes unlike any other region on Earth. This tornado-prone area has conventionally included parts of the states of Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Twisters can transpire at any time. Yet, they are common from March to June, a period when thunderstorms are frequent.

While familiar to many people, our understanding or perception of the US tornado region could soon become outdated. According to an April 2024 study, scientists found evidence of shifts in coverage and season of tornado activity in the US. These findings indicate that the Tornado Alley is changing, meaning it also covers parts of the Eastern US, which is different than previously thought, the research explains.

Tornado Alley Threat

The Tornado Alley threat in the US is changing, since it now affects parts of the Eastern US and it is now more likely to reach the Midwest and Southeast than ever before. This analysis is according to a research paper published in the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology on April 29, which asserts that new data on tornado activity reveals the twister zone is expanding into new grounds.

In previous research, evidence also showed that the representation of the Tornado Alley in the central Plains of the US is not fully accurate, especially when it comes to current tornado frequency, authors of the paper said. Instead, the April 2024 study concluded the "greatest tornado threat" has now shifted east, where tornado outbreaks are uncommon.

The research team, including from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Storm Prediction Center, said the shift has already started since the year 1951. The conclusion is based on data and measurements, including tornadogenesis events, tornado path length, and tornado days. The results show tornado activity has spread from the Great Plains into the Midwest and Southeast US.

US Tornado Outbreak

While decades-long data supports the changing Tornado Alley. More recent evidence reinforces the increasing threat posed by the tornado corridor. In April 2024, a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma was linked to at least four fatalities. Over the course of the recent Memorial Day weekend, multiple tornadoes wreaked havoc in different states, killing over 20 people.

A previous report by the National Weather Service/Storm Prediction Center showed that the tornado outbreak almost coincided with severe weather targeting the US East Coast and parts of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.