Where is Tornado Alley?

The above map was released by the SPC recently and it shows the number of tornadoes per state on average, per year, using the data from 1981-2010. At first, you would think that the most likely place to be hit by a tornado is Texas, but we have to remember that the data is skewed because of the size of Texas. This next map is a better representation.

The above map shows the Average Annual number of Tornadoes per 10K square miles, per state. As you look at THIS map, you have to ask where tornado alley exist. I think a person could argue that tornado alley is a little more South and East than people think.

We have had some very quiet weather for a few months in Region 8. Let's remember that we typically see severe storms and tornadoes in the fall as well. Let me encourage you to review your severe weather plans at work, school, and home!

Ryan