What states are in tornado alley [3][4] Violent tornadoes—those rated EF4 or EF5 on The most frequent and devastating tornado events tend to occur in the region of the U. Most tornadoes in the United States form in an area called "Tornado Alley". Jul 15, 2025 · The costs associated with tornado damage can be significant, and areas more prone to tornadoes may experience higher insurance premiums or more difficulty obtaining insurance coverage. Apr 29, 2024 · Is tornado alley shifting? Commonly there are more tornadoes in tornado alley, but Southern states are baring the brunt of more destructive outbreaks. east of the Rockies and west of the Appalachians for most of the year. This was part of the 1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak on May 3, 1999. An outline of Significant Tornado Alley in the United States, where the highest percentage of violent tornadoes occur Tornado activity in the United States. state, but the area nicknamed Tornado Alley is probably where your mind goes when you think of dangerous twisters. colloquially referred to as Tornado Alley. , spanning from Texas to North Dakota, where tornadoes are the most frequent and intense. Tornadoes here can also be severe and destructive but tend to occur during different months than those in Tornado Alley. Tornado Alley is a region of the United States that is regularly hit with tornados. Tornadoes are more common in the United States than in any other country or state. Apr 25, 2022 · Where is 'tornado alley?' It may be time to update the original definition of the area that gets frequent tornadoes, which was created before the turn of the century. The frequency and intensity of tornadoes in these regions are increasing each year. are associated with tornadoes each year. Tornado warnings and the weather phenomena Nov 2, 2021 · Tornado Alley refers to a region in the central United States frequented by tornadoes. Dixie Alley is a nickname given to the areas of the southern United States. Various “Tornado Alley” maps look different because tornado occurrence can be measured many ways: by all tornadoes, tornado county-segments, strong and violent tornadoes only, and databases with May 29, 2025 · Violent tornado outbreaks, like the storms that tore through parts of St. The states in Tornado Alley are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Changes in tornado frequency from 1979-2018 where warm colors Apr 2, 2025 · A 2018 study found the ingredients needed to produce tornadoes was moving east and states like Kentucky and Indiana are seeing in increase in tornado frequency. known for frequent, powerful tornadoes. Apr 9, 2019 · The United States receives more than 1. Covering parts of several states, this area sees more tornadoes than almost anywhere else in the world. Oklahoma leads the nation for severe storms, having experienced 65 EF-4/F4+ tornadoes between 1950 and 2016. According to NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center, these central Plains states collectively experience several hundred tornadoes each year. May 29, 2019 · The states of Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, and South Dakota are known as Tornado Alley for their history of severe weather. While its boundaries are not officially defined, Tornado Alley typically includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Missouri, and Iowa. Dec 6, 2023 · Climate change and a rare combination of factors associated with El Niño will drive an active tornado season in 2024 that sees Tornado Alley expanding to include more areas, according to one The states in red are considered to be in Tornado Alley while states in orange are in "Dixie" Alley. This area has a high frequency of strong, long-track and violent tornadoes. Mississippi is leading the tornado count nationwide at 85 tornadoes. This region includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley. Because a tornado may occur at any time of the day or year somewhere in the United States, there really is no national tornado "season" (as there is with Atlantic hurricanes). The Sooner State is in the heart of a group of states traditionally labeled "Tornado Alley," along with Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and South Dakota. Storm chasers travel to this area because of the high concentration of tornadoes. Apr 23, 2023 · Tornado Alley is shifting to neighboring states, including Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Damaging tornadoes rated EF4 or EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale happen more frequently in the U. 2 thousand tornadoes yearly (4 times the amount seen in Europe). This area experiences a significant number of tornadoes annually, with these states averaging 36 to 155 tornadoes each per year between 1991 and 2010. Mar 24, 2025 · In recent years, Tennessee and the Southeast have seen an uptick in tornado activity as weather patterns shift. Mar 4, 2025 · The seven states most known for their tornado activity, commonly referred to as Tornado Alley, are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri. Jun 14, 2024 · Here’s a look at tornadoes around the world, a potentially historic year, and how Tornado Alley USA is careening eastward. In particular, it extends from west Texas northeast to the central and western parts of Oklahoma and Kansas; and across most of Nebraska. with the highest frequency of tornadoes. Interestingly, the state with the highest number of tornadoes each year per unit area, Florida, isn’t part of Tornado Alley. Residents and meteorologists alike keep a close watch on the weather in this area May 19, 2025 · Tornado Alley is shifting eastward because of a combination of weather phenomenon, says meteorology professor who is tracking trend. Where is it and what does the term mean? Tornado Alley is a term commonly used to describe a region in the central United States known for its frequent tornadic activity, primarily encompassing states like South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Is there a new "tornado alley"? Jul 8, 2019 · NOAA’s story map takes you inside Tornado Alley to NOAA’s Norman, Okla. The climate conditions in these states create the perfect environment for tornados to form, making them some of the most active areas for tornado activity in the world. Tornado Alley covers the Great Plains and is centered on eastern Kansas and Oklahoma and also included parts of the surrounding states, where tornados are most frequent. Older maps, from the 20th century, typically Feb 26, 2024 · Final Thoughts Tornado Alley encompasses several states in the United States that have become synonymous with tornado activity. The farther south you live, the longer your tornado season lasts. Where is tornado alley? How the deadliest storm zone in the U. Why does Tornado Alley exist, and what makes it so prone to these intense storms? Changes in climate and shifting weather patterns also raise questions Mar 26, 2025 · The states of the Dixie Alley experience around 50-80 tornadoes each year. This comprehensive guide will provide information on historical tornado data, predictions for the 2025 tornado season, and real-time tracking of Apr 29, 2016 · It's along the front between the two airmasses that most tornadoes form. is shifting east Scientists say a new epicenter is forming for the deadliest storm zone in the U. Jul 1, 2025 · Destructive tornadoes have hit states such as Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana this season as activity shifts east. Although Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, and Missouri are the primary states associated with Tornado Alley, other states in the vicinity also occasionally experience intense tornado outbreaks. Florida, with 3,569 tornados, and Illinois, with 3,261, round out the top five . has had more reported tornadoes than normal – over 960 as of May 22, according to Dec 28, 2023 · What is Tornado Alley? Discover where the most powerful tornadoes strike, including the state of Oklahoma. It's important to remember that the facts and information on this page are only specific to the United States. . Tornado There’s no scientific boundaries to Tornado Alley, the National Severe Storms Laboratory says, and every map of the area looks slightly different. Tornadoes data and statisticsIn addition, tornadoes occur throughout the year. Sep 3, 2019 · The United States is the undisputed tornado capital of planet Earth, home to more twisters than the rest of the world combined. Learn about the USA's most infamous storm corridor. Tornado Alley is a part of the central United States with a unique combination Tornado Alley refers to a stretch of land in the central United States that is particularly prone to tornadoes. The map below, from Tornado Archive, is a new map of all known tornadoes from 1880 to 2019. [1] The term was first used in 1952 as the title of a research project to study severe weather in areas of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. May 11, 2022 · Some folks don't realize that there are tornadoes in North Dakota at all; our "tornado alley" is a thing during summer instead of spring. The states most commonly associated with Tornado Alley include Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Colorado, though its boundaries have shifted in recent years. Although there isn’t a specific, there is growing evidence that climate change is impacting the geography and strengths of These states collectively form the core of Tornado Alley due to their unique geographical and meteorological conditions, which are ideal for the formation of powerful tornadoes. when it Aug 9, 2022 · Tornado Alley is a concept that seems simple but is a bit complex. Apr 21, 2025 · Where has tornado alley moved? For decades, most of the largest outbreaks occurred across northeastern Texas, eastern Oklahoma, and western Arkansas and Missouri. Mar 12, 2025 · The central and southern Plains, also known as “Tornado Alley,” may be the Hollywood backdrop for storm-chasing tornado action. The Southern Plains provide ideal conditions for tornado formation, especially in late spring and early summer. Note that a significant number Apr 1, 2025 · AccuWeather's long-range 2025 U. Particularly prevalent in the spring months, this infamous strip of land—central to the United States—is subject to numerous cyclones, often producing violent and destructive tornadoes. [1][2] The United States receives more than 1,200 tornadoes annually—four times the amount seen in Europe. Texas is second (52), followed by Iowa (51), Kansas (49), and Alabama (42). The illustration from Wikipedia (below) is typical. Why is this, and what exactly is a tornado? Aug 9, 2023 · Tornadoes are often concentrated in 'tornado alley' in the United States. May 29, 2025 · The United States holds the record for the highest number of tornadoes worldwide — and most of them hit one infamous region: Tornado Alley. [citation needed] The term was coined by National Severe Storms Forecast Tornado Alley is a region in the U. The Dixie Alley: The Southeastern Tornado Hotspot In addition to Tornado Alley, the southeastern United States has its own tornado-prone region known as Dixie Alley. Real Experiences Jun 9, 2025 · ‘Tornado alley’ shifting east, experts say Long-term research plus recent severe weather outbreaks serve as reminders that tornadoes happen quickly, without warning, and anywhere May 23, 2024 · The term ‘tornado alley’ always comes into the conversation surrounding summer storms in the US. The states that fall under this area include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, and a few others. [1] The 1974 super tornado outbreak with 148 tornadoes, took place in Apr 23, 2025 · However, within the last 20 years, the term Dixie Alley has been used for the mid-south and some southeastern states. The states that see the most tornado activity are commonly referred to as "Tornado Alley Mar 8, 2025 · With tornado season approaching, Oklahomans are preparing by cleaning out storm shelters and checking their weather radios. May 23, 2025 · The concept of "Tornado Alley" has fascinated researchers, meteorologists, and disaster preparedness coordinators since it was first coined by U. Most Tornado Alley maps you find on the internet will not include states like Iowa, Missouri, or Arkansas. Where is it? Mar 7, 2025 · Secondary Tornado Zones Beyond Tornado Alley, there are secondary tornado zones, including Dixie Alley and parts of the Midwest. Apr 30, 2025 · Tornado Alley isn’t an officially designated region. Jul 19, 2024 · Tornado Alley, a central region of the United States, is notorious for its frequent and severe tornadoes, captivating scientists, storm chasers, and the public alike. If you would like to see May 3, 2022 · A study published in 2018 suggests tornadoes appear to have increased since the late 1970s in parts of the Midwest and Southeast. Apr 20, 2022 · All of these ingredients factor into the two most known tornado hotbeds in the United States. Tornado Alley is a loosely defined area of the central United States where tornadoes are most frequent. Sep 8, 2025 · What is Tornado Alley? Tornado Alley is an informal term for the central US region, including Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and surrounding states, where tornado activity is most frequent. Catastrophic weekend tornadoes and Aug 20, 2024 · Both states are also located in Tornado Alley, explaining their high tornado counts. Mar 14, 2025 · Tornadoes can (and have) hit every U. It was coined by Allen Pearson, a director of the Storm Prediction Center after witnessing a violent and deadly tornado outbreak on February 21, 1971. Instead, each region may experience increased tornadic potential at different times of the year. From the front lines of meteorology and the way forecasts are made, to a revealing look at what’s on the horizon, you’ll see how NOAA continues to Apr 9, 2025 · Tornado Alley is a commonly known region of the United States in which tornadoes happen most often. Year-Round Activity: While Tornado Alley typically sees storms in the spring, Dixie Alley is vulnerable throughout the year, especially in late fall and early winter. Aug 8, 2024 · Tornado Alley is known for having a more intense and significant number of tornadoes than other parts of the country. But those of us living in the Mid-South are aware that tornadoes are a very real threat in our region as well. Florida has numerous tornadoes simply due to the high frequency of almost daily thunderstorms. May 2, 2024 · Meteorologists say that 'Tornado Alley' may be expanding, though no one is quite sure why. The states that are typically considered to be part of Tornado Alley include Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Definition and Historical Context of Tornado Alley Tornado Alley is a term that encompasses a broad region in the central United States where tornadoes are most frequent. Mar 26, 2025 · The term "Tornado Alley" refers to a region of the central U. Florida is one and "Tornado Alley" in the south-central United States is the other. At the core of Tornado Alley is Northern Tornado Alley is a nickname invented by the media to refer to a broad area of relatively high tornado occurrence in the central United States. "Tornado Alley is a nickname invented by the media to refer to a broad area of relatively high tornado occurrence in the central United States," NOAA's National Severe Storms Laboratory says. Over 80 deaths and 1,500 injuries in the U. than in any other nation. This area includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. May 30, 2025 · What Is Tornado Alley? As with other weather-related terms, such as storm names, Tornado Alley came about thanks to the media. But in recent years May 19, 2024 · Is Oklahoma part of it? Tornado alley has changed and shifted over the years, but as of 2023 Accuweather lists eight states as being part of this area with a unique combination of geographic and meteorological factors that make it more susceptible to tornadoes. Traditionally, this includes states Nov 1, 2025 · The central United States, often referred to as Tornado Alley, is notorious for its frequent tornadoes. Tornado Alley is not to be confused with Dixie Alley Tornado Alley is a region in the United States known for its frequent and severe tornado activity. More tornadoes occur in the United States than any other country. ’ Increasingly, twisters are shifting south to ‘Dixie alley,” such as the outbreak in Kentucky that recently killed 19. Why is Dixie Alley So Dangerous? Are you looking to learn about the area or region commonly referred to as tornado alley? Then you've come to the right place! We put this section together to give students, teachers and/or tornado enthusiast as place to get tornado alley facts and information. Dixie Alley spans states like Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. But what causes this part of the planet to be a global hotspot for twisters? In this article, we explore the meteorological, geographic, and seasonal dynamics that create such violent storms so frequently across central North America. Nighttime Tornadoes: Many tornadoes in Dixie Alley strike at night, making them harder to detect and significantly more dangerous. Oct 22, 2021 · Where is Tornado Alley? Everything to know about the American twister hotbed While Tornado Alley in the Central U. This area is characterized by a unique set of geographical and meteorological conditions that make it prone to severe weather. Air Force meteorologists in 1952. , campus. Nov 20, 2025 · Tornadoes are a powerful and destructive force of nature, capable of causing significant damage and loss of life. Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets Tornado Alley is an area in the South of the United States that is widely considered to have the most tornados appear in North America. Which southern states might see more tornadoes? The states in Tornado Alley tend to see the most severe of these storms and incur the most fatalities. The combination of flat terrain and the collision of cold and warm air creates the perfect conditions for these powerful storms. Nov 19, 2024 · What is Tornado Alley? Tornado Alley is a region in the United States where tornadoes are the most common. This year, that’s not be the region … U. Jun 12, 2025 · A map of National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes shows the majority of 2025′s tornadoes have touched down east of the Mississippi River, including several in the Tri-State. Apr 25, 2025 · Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota in the aptly-named Tornado Alley see the greatest number of tornadoes each year [1]. Explores the concept of Tornado Alley, its origins, and the states typically included in this tornado-prone region. These areas experience frequent severe weather conditions that contribute to tornado formation, making them hotspots for these dramatic atmospheric phenomena. Jul 17, 2025 · The region known as Tornado Alley — including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska — experiences the highest frequency of tornadoes in the U. That region extends from northern and central Texas and Oklahoma northward into Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota, explains Jason Furtado, an associate professor at the University of Oklahoma School of Meteorology. Aug 1, 2019 · Being in the most intense area of “tornado alley” Texas has recorded the highest number of tornadoes out of all the states, their highest ever was in 1967 when Texans reported 232 tornadoes. But we now know that depiction is incomplete. April, May and June tend to be the months in which twisters happen most. Discover Tornado Alley’s location, the 5 most at-risk states, and all-season prep tips, with guidance for deadly winter storms. While the NWS and NOAA don't officially define it, the term has been used since 1952 to describe the Great Plains region including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota. And because Americans love branding even natural disasters, the most twister-prone zones have their own nicknames: Tornado Alley, Dixie Alley, Hoosier Alley, and Carolina Alley. Meanwhile, scientists say dry and hot weather in the Great Plains Jan 14, 2024 · Tornado Alley spans several states in America’s central region. The Dixie Alley region includes area of the Dec 19, 2012 · Tornado Alley is term that it is typically used to describe a wide swath of tornado-prone areas between the Rocky Mountains and Appalachian Mountains that frequently experience tornadoes. While traditionally Aug 19, 2025 · Tornado Alley covers more states than you might expect. Tornado Alley’s unique conditions create an ideal environment for twisters. Although the exact boundaries of Tornado Alley can vary depending on the source, it generally includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and sometimes extends into Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana May 21, 2025 · Large tornado in Kansas, traditionally part of ‘tornado alley. Severe Weather Forecast projects between 1,300 and 1,450 tornadoes nationwide this year, with most of the activity expected east of the traditional Tornado Alley. There was a super outbreak that took effect in 2011 that saw EF4 and EF5 tornadoes hit Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee and went down in US history as one of the worst tornado outbreaks in the history of the country. It includes portions of the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. is thought of as having the most tornadoes, there are other parts of the country that have similar numbers of twisters. Jun 6, 2024 · 'Tornado Alley' Has Shifted East From The Plains, A New Study Says Another study has punctured the preconceived notion of where America's tornadoes happen most. The United States experiences more tornadoes than any other country, with an average of over 1,200 tornadoes occurring annually. Essential safety guide. In this area, a tornado occurs when the moist air from the Gulf of Mexico meets the dry cold air from Canada. This unique region experiences more tornadoes than any other part of the world. May 28, 2025 · Tornado Alley is really all of the U. Learn which regions face the most twisters and why this stretch is so storm-prone. These tornadoes are formed by thunderstorms. In fact, portions of the southeastern United States, including the Mid-South, have been described as being more dangerous than the central U. These and nearby states are experiencing an average increase in tornado touchdowns each year. Oct 11, 2025 · Tornado Alley, in the United States, the area where tornadoes most frequently occur. Over the last 20+ years, we have evidence that Tornado Alley has potentially shifted east. In an average year, hundreds of tornadoes occur in the United States, especially in a region famously dubbed Tornado Alley. Tornadoes have been recorded in every US state, including Alaska and Hawaii, though they are rare in those locations. Louis and London, Kentucky, on May 16, have made 2025 seem like an especially active, deadly and destructive year for tornadoes. Like with the diurnal pattern, for the The term Dixie alley was first used in 1971. While the core of Tornado Alley includes northern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, some definitions extend its boundaries to encompass parts of South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and western Ohio. Traditionally, tornado alley has been depicted as a stripe of states north-south through the Great Plains. By the way, if you’re wondering “ what is Texas known for?” we have a whole article on that! Oklahoma Oklahoma is known for having dangerous storms! Apr 9, 2015 · The above states tend to fall into different alleys: Tornado Alley, Dixie Alley, Hoosier Alley, and Carolina Alley. So far this year, Dixie Alley has seen many more tornadoes than Tornado Alley. Jul 23, 2024 · Tornado Alley is something Americans have all heard or mentioned over the years, but most people don’t know that isn’t a clearly defined location. The term was first used in 1952 as the title of a research project to study severe weather in areas of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska. Tornado Alley, also known as Tornado Valley, is a loosely defined location of the central United States where tornadoes are most frequent. May 29, 2019 · “Tornado Alley” is the nickname given to the south-central region of the United States, where tornadoes tend to form at high frequency. Tornado Alley traditionally refers to the central United States where tornadoes occur most frequently. Mar 28, 2025 · In 2024, Tornado Alley has evolved, impacting where tornadoes frequently occur across the United States. The U. " Dixie Alley " is a colloquial term sometimes used for areas of the southern United States which are particularly vulnerable to strong to violent tornadoes. Tornado Alley In the United States, there are two regions with a disproportionately high frequency of tornadoes. Generally speaking, it refers to the broad area in the central United States where tornado incidence is the highest. [1] Some argue this is distinct from the better known "Tornado Alley" and that it has a high frequency of strong, long-track tornadoes that move at higher speeds. Getty Images A rash of tornadoes devastating multiple states is targeting the South, an area traditionally outside of ‘Tornado Alley,” with a particular vengeance. S. This area experiences frequent, destructive tornadoes, marking it a hotspot for severe weather phenomena. As tornado alley shifts and storms move closer toward the southeast, more urban areas will be affected. Only three whole states are part of tornado alley: Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. Jul 16, 2025 · A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that stretches from thunderstorms to the ground. Apr 14, 2025 · Certain states are more prone to tornadoes than others due to their geographical location and climate. Tornadoes are rapidly Feb 10, 2023 · The Tornado Alley usually includes portions of Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma. Jan 8, 2018 · Tornado Alley is a name for the area of the United States (and Canada) where tornadoes are most likely to occur. The term was first coined in 1952 by meteorologists looking into tornado patterns in the central U. These tornados typically range from the F2 to F3 range but have the potential to reach F4 and F5 levels. It’s just a term used to describe parts of the central U. May 23, 2025 · A storm scientist explains what’s been driving deadly tornado outbreaks and how tornado season has been changing. Do tornadoes happen outside Tornado Alley? Yes. It’s here that some of the world’s most significant scientific and technological breakthroughs are born. Here’s where people are now Jun 7, 2024 · There's growing evidence that "Tornado Alley," the area of the United States most susceptible to tornadoes, is shifting eastwards, according to a recent study looking at tornado formation patterns Tornado Alley is the section of the United States where, historically, the most tornadoes have occurred. A tornado is a small-diameter column of violently rotating air developed within a convective cloud and in contact with the ground. Tornado Alley is a colloquial term most often used to refer to the area of the United States in which tornadoes happen more than in any other part of the country. Mar 12, 2024 · Tornado alley is the term given to the region of the central United States that sees the most tornadoes per year and has conditions most favorable for the formation of tornadoes. Mar 24, 2025 · "Tornado alley" usually describes states in the plains, but an uptick in tornadoes in the Southeast has the term "Dixie Alley" coming to more prominence. “Tornado Alley is a nickname invented by the media to refer to a broad area of relatively high tornado occurrence in the central United States,” NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory says. Tornadoes in the United States 1950-2019 A tornado strikes near Anadarko, Oklahoma. While there is no official designation for Tornado Alley, the term is commonly used to describe parts of the central United States where tornadoes are most likely to occur. xlskw rbdfq lhnrwnvi gkiinlu huuel clyjqdkr eggydh rrkglr erhcbs yiuzpn qya fpymwwoo arkw bmlo iykiuj