How 'tornado alley' is changing

Tornado alley, a region in the United States known for its high frequency of tornadoes, is experiencing some changes. This area, which includes states like Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Kansas, sees about 1,200 tornadoes every year. However, recent research suggests that the traditional boundaries of tornado alley are shifting. Scientists from the City University of New York have found that in the last three decades, there has been a higher frequency of tornadoes in the southeastern US and a region known as Dixie Alley. This is a significant departure from the past, where tornadoes were mostly concentrated in the Great Plains. The change is thought to be influenced by local conditions such as warm temperatures and the impact of hurricanes. Additionally, there is speculation that climate change may also be contributing to the shift, although this has not been conclusively proven. Tornadoes, which are characterized by swirling winds of up to 300mph, can cause widespread destruction, flattening entire settlements and causing significant damage. In June 2023, a tornado hit Perryton, Texas, resulting in devastating consequences. The impact of this shift in tornado activity raises questions about the future of tornado alley and the potential implications of these changes.