Have you recently stumbled on the term “tornado alley”? Are you wondering what it means and why tornado alley is notorious for developing tornadoes? Let’s take a look into why this valley is known for tornadoes.
The Tornado Alley has a flat and dry terrain, serving as the perfect ground for tornadoes. The atmosphere in the tornado alley helps foster the tornadoes and contributes to their strength. Lastly, competing air masses in the tornado alley cause tornadoes.
This article details the basic information about tornado alley, why tornadoes develop here, how they are formed and how you can stay cautious and safe. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is The Tornado Alley?
Tornado alley is an area in the US where tornadoes are most likely to occur; the development of tornadoes is very common and frequent in this region. Strong and violent thunderstorms are the norm in this region, leading to tornadoes.
Tornadoes in the Tornado Alley region of the United States typically form during the late spring and early summer months, from April to June.
Where Is The Tornado Alley?
The Tornado Alley stretches from northern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, eastern Colorado, southeastern South Dakota, Iowa, and northern Missouri.
Why Is Tornado Alley So Prone To Tornadoes?
The three major factors specific to Tornado Alley and contributing to the formation of tornadoes are terrain, the atmosphere, and the air masses. We will detail these factors and how they work toward tornadoes.
The Terrain Of Tornado Alley
The terrain in this region is generally flat, but there are some rolling hills and low mountains in the region. The predominant vegetation of the site is the shortgrass prairie and deciduous forests. Tornado Alley’s terrain contributes to tornadoes by providing a combination of factors that can create the perfect storm.
Warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cold air from the northern Plains can combine to form intense thunderstorms. In addition, the terrain of Tornado Alley, which consists of flat plains with minimal vegetation, provides an ideal environment for the storm rotation that can cause a tornado.
The Atmosphere Of Tornado Alley
The atmosphere in this region is characterized by violent weather and severe thunderstorms. These thunderstorms create the conditions necessary for tornadoes to form. Tornadoes are caused by warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico being forced upward by cooler air from the Rocky Mountains.
This creates an unstable atmosphere conducive to the formation of tornadoes. The atmosphere of Tornado Alley is also characterized by high winds, intense lightning, hail, and heavy rain.
The Air Masses In Tornado Alley
The most common air masses in Tornado Alley are the dry, warm air masses of the Continental Polar (cP) and Continental Tropical (cT) air masses. cP air masses originate in the Arctic region and are often associated with strong winds, low humidity, and cooler temperatures.
CT air masses in the Gulf of Mexico are associated with higher temperatures, higher humidity, and thunderstorms. These air masses can contribute to the formation of severe weather events, including tornadoes.
How Do Tornadoes Form In Tornado Alley?
Tornadoes in the tornado alley form when warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico combines with cold air from Canada and the Rocky Mountains. This clash of air masses creates a storm system with a rotation of air, known as a mesocyclone.
When the mesocyclone reaches the ground, it forms a tornado.
Areas Apart From The Tornado Alley Where Tornadoes Are Formed
The tornado alley is not the only part of the United States that experiences tornadoes. Some other areas include:
- The Southeast – Parts of the Southeast, including parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and North and South Carolina, experience a fair number of tornadoes.
- The Ohio Valley – Tornadoes are common in the Ohio Valley, including parts of Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Indiana.
- The Northern Plains – Parts of the Northern Plains, such as the Dakotas, Minnesota, and Iowa, are also prone to tornadoes.
- The Gulf Coast – The Gulf Coast region, particularly the Florida panhandle, is where tornadoes are common.
- The Mid-Atlantic – Parts of the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, can experience tornadoes.
- The Pacific Northwest – While not as common as in other areas, tornadoes, including parts of Washington and Oregon, can form in the Pacific Northwest.
How To Prepare For A Tornado?
Preparing for a natural disaster is crucial if you want to survive it. If your area has been issued a warning, you must take the following precautions to ensure your and your loved ones’ safety.
- Have A Plan – Develop an emergency plan with your family, including an emergency contact person who lives out of town.
- Make An Emergency Kit – Assemble a disaster supplies kit that includes items such as non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, medications, and a map of the area.
- Guard Your Home – Secure your home and property by anchoring objects that high winds, such as outdoor furniture and garbage cans, could pick up.
- Get Awareness – Know the difference between a tornado watch and a warning. A tornado watch means that conditions are favorable for a tornado, while a tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted and people should take shelter immediately.
- Find A Safe Place – Identify a safe room in your home where your family can take shelter during a tornado. This room should be on the lowest level of your house, preferably an interior room without windows.
- Stay Vigilant – Pay attention to weather forecasts and be prepared to act quickly if a tornado warning is issued.
Final Conclusion
If you live in the region close to Tornado Alley, you must know how important it is to be cautious. Knowing this information answers your questions and helps you understand why tornadoes are so frequent; the tornado alley is the breeding ground for tornadoes. Ensure that you stay safe, take care of yourself, and evacuate when needed.