If you want to prepare for natural disasters where you live, it’s important to know which types of disasters are most likely to occur there. For example, if your state is prone to hurricanes then you’ll probably want to prep for that as opposed to wildfires. In this article, we’ll be dealing with the states that are most (and least) prone to tornadoes, so if you’re wondering about your state, you’re in the right place.
Around 1,200 tornadoes hit the U.S. per year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Tornadoes have been recorded in nearly all U.S. states, but the chances of tornadoes are much greater for those living in Tornado Alley.
What is Tornado Alley?
Tornado Alley is a region spanning across the Midwest that is more prone to tornadoes. While there aren’t rigid boundaries marking the exact territories of Tornado Alley, these states make up the bulk of it: Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, and South Dakota, with Texas having the most recorded Tornadoes annually– about 155 per year, according to Tornado Extreme.
Because weather patterns change, in any given year the states most affected by tornadoes can change. While the majority of recorded Tornadoes usually occur in Tornado alley, that doesn’t mean that other states are completely in the clear. Bankrate reported that in 2020, the states below had the most recorded tornadoes, only one of which, Texas, is considered part of Tornado Alley.
- Mississippi: 127
- Texas: 102
- Alabama: 78
- Georgia: 75
- Illinois: 71
- Minnesota: 69
- Florida: 65
- South Carolina: 57
- Louisiana: 55
- North Carolina: 54
Which states have the fewest Tornadoes?
In a sample taken over a 30-year span ( 1989-2019), Policy Genius found that these states had the least amount of Tornadoes:
- Alaska: 0
- Rhode Island: 0
- Hawaii: 1
- Vermont: 1
- New Hampshire: 1
- Delaware: 1
- Connecticut: 2
- Massachusetts: 2
- Nevada: 2
- Maine: 2
If you’re worried about your state getting hit by a tornado then the best thing you can do to stay safe is start prepping. Create a plan for your household that is easy to understand and execute. The best way to keep safe during any emergency is to be armed with knowledge and preparation, make sure your family is ready. If you need help planning and knowing what to do in case of a tornado then check out our full guide that has all the details on making a plan, gathering essential supplies, and even sheltering.
