Which states get hit the most by tornadoes? Experts say it might be changing
Damage assessment began on March 23 after multiple tornadoes ripped through the Southeast.
Mississippi and Louisiana were among the states with the worst damage, according to The Weather Channel. Video footage from areas hit by severe weather shows homes ripped apart, cars flipped over and winds tearing through roofs.
Most of the world’s tornadoes happen in the U.S., according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with about 1,200 tornadoes hitting the country every year.
Texas is the state most prone to tornadoes by far with an average of 155 tornadoes a year, according to NOAA averaging data from 1991 to 2010, the most recent data available by state.
Here are the top 10 states most affected by tornadoes:
Texas (155)
Kansas (96)
Florida (66)
Oklahoma (62)
Nebraska (57)
Illinois (54)
Colorado (53)
Iowa (51)
Minnesota (45)
Missouri (45)
“Exactly how and why tornadoes form is not completely understood,” according to the NOAA. “What is known is that most result from supercell thunderstorms.”
Climatologists say a rising human footprint is making tornadoes “significantly worse,” according to KOIN.
There is evidence that there is a shift in where tornadoes are hitting, with more occurring in Nashville and Tupelo, Mississippi, for example, experts told KOIN.
“In other words, there’s a shift from ‘tornado alley’ into the southeastern part of the U.S.,” the outlet reported, and “population growth will most likely contribute to more disasters.”
While tornadoes have already been destructive this year, The Weather Channel warns that April kicks off the most dangerous three months for tornadoes in the U.S.
Experts at the NOAA say preparation is key to surviving dangerous tornadoes and encourage people to monitor weather forecasts and have a shelter ready.
This story was originally published March 24, 2022 at 1:56 PM with the headline "Which states get hit the most by tornadoes? Experts say it might be changing."
