Tornadoes are a uniquely American threat, with the U.S. experiencing more twisters each year than any other country on Earth. As climate change continues, tornado season is extending later into the year and into new regions, putting more and more Americans at risk of severe weather.
While the Great Plains have long been known as “Tornado Alley,” in recent years the epicenter of tornado activity has shifted. In recent years, large swaths of the Southeast – now known as “Dixie Alley” – have consistently ranked among the worst-hit parts of the country. Due to a high concentration of mobile homes and an overall lack of preparedness, tornadoes in the Southeast can be particularly deadly.
And while some parts of the country remain relatively insulated from tornado threats, dozens of counties have experienced more than 100 significant storms in the last 75 years. The places with the most tornado activity since 1950 are now a mix of traditional Tornado Alley hotspots and the new Dixie Alley counties. A closer look at the data reveals the counties where tornadoes hit the most often…