There may be a new ‘Tornado alley’

For many years, we have associated the most dangerous tornadoes in a region known as “Tornado Alley,” a large region of the Great Plains that includes the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. This area earned that reputation for severe weather because it often experiences the perfect mix of warm, moist air from the Gulf of America (Mexico), dry air from the desert Southwest, and cool air from Canada. When these air masses collide, powerful thunderstorms can form, sometimes producing violent tornadoes. However, in recent years, scientists have observed a noticeable shift in where tornadoes most frequently occur. This shift has led to growing discussion about what some researchers call the “New Tornado Alley.”

The so-called “New Tornado Alley” is not an officially defined region, but it generally includes parts of the Midwest and Southeast. For example, states such as Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Kentucky have seen an increase in tornado frequency in recent years. Many of these states lie within Dixie Alley, a term meteorologists use to describe the tornado-prone areas of the Deep South. Unlike the Great Plains, this region has more forests, hills, and densely populated communities, which can make tornadoes more difficult to see and more dangerous.

There are several factors that may explain this eastward shift. One important ingredient in tornado formation is warm, humid air from the Gulf of America (Mexico). As climate patterns become more extreme, the eastern United States has experienced increased moisture and instability in the atmosphere, creating favorable conditions for severe thunderstorms. At the same time, portions of the western and central Great Plains have faced periods of drought and shifting weather patterns that may reduce the number of ideal tornado-producing setups in some years. Scientists are still studying how large-scale climate change may be influencing these trends, but many agree that environmental conditions appear to be evolving or changing.

Another important difference in the “New Tornado Alley” is seasonality. While the Great Plains typically see peak tornado activity in late spring and early summer, the Southeast often experiences tornadoes earlier in the year and even during late fall and winter. This can make storms more dangerous because they may occur at night or during times when people are less prepared. In addition, mobile homes are more common in parts of the Southeast, increasing vulnerability during severe storms.

Population density also plays a role in the growing concern about this shift. The Southeast and parts of the Midwest have larger populations compared to many locations in the Great Plains. Even if the total number of tornadoes nationwide has not dramatically increased, it seems that more tornadoes are occurring in areas where more people live. This raises the risk of property damage, injuries, and fatalities.

It is important to remember that tornadoes can form in all 50 states, not just in one “alley.” In Alaska, there were 2 twisters reported, one in November of 1959 and the other in August of 2005. Both were on the very low end of the intensity scale. Since 1950, Hawaii has had over 40 tornadoes. The concept of a tornado alley helps describe patterns, but it does not create boundaries that storms will often follow.

In an average year, there are about 1,250 tornadoes sighted in the U.S., more than any other place in the world with the majority seen during the spring season. Last season, in 2025, tornado activity during spring season was extremely active in the central U.S. During the middle of March, 2025, a record-breaking outbreak across the Midwest and into the eastern U.S. occurred. Approximately 118 tornadoes were reported. More damaging outbreaks occurred in April and May with an EF5 tornado reported in June. That was the strongest since the 2013 Moore tornado near Enderlin, North Dakota. According to AccuWeather, tornadoes across the central and eastern U.S. are expected to be close to historical averages. In 2025, there were 1,429 tornadoes in the U.S.

Fortunately, in the calmer Inland Empire, the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Rockies to the east usually protect us from the extremely powerful thunderstorm activity. But, every spring season, and sometimes during the hot summer months, we do see an occasional period of extreme weather conditions, even during drought patterns.

Over the last 25 years, both Washington and Idaho have averaged one tornado per year, mostly during the month of May. 

In terms of our local weather, the long-range computer models are still indicating that the upper-level winds will bring a chance of snowfall to the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene region by this weekend and next week. However, some of the moisture, which has been the case this season, will likely fall as rain. The western part of the country is in the middle of a snow drought. So far, about 20 inches of snow has fallen in the Coeur d’Alene region.

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Contact Randy Mann at [email protected].