Introduction
Tornado Alley, a region known for its frequent tornado activity, spans several states in the central United States. Among the states in Tornado Alley, Texas experiences the highest average number of tornadoes per year, with an average of 120 tornadoes. Following closely is Mississippi, with an average of 102 tornadoes per year. Kansas and Alabama tie for the third-highest average, both recording 87 tornadoes annually. This region is characterized by a higher incidence of tornadoes compared to other parts of the country, primarily due to its geographical and meteorological factors.
Tornado Alley states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska, are situated in the central part of the country, where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico collides with cool, dry air from the Rockies. This collision creates an ideal environment for tornado formation. The abundance of severe weather systems, such as thunderstorms and supercells, contributes to the high frequency of tornadoes in this region. While the aforementioned states experience the highest tornado activity, other states within Tornado Alley, such as Iowa, Illinois, and Louisiana, also have notable tornado occurrences. Overall, Tornado Alley states are subject to a higher risk of tornadoes compared to states outside the region, making them a focal point for tornado research and preparedness efforts.
Tornado Alley
# | State | Average Number of Tornadoes | Average Number of Deaths | Number of Tornadoes in 2022 | Number of Deaths in 2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Texas | 120 | 11 | 160 | 3 |
2 | Mississippi | 102 | 13 | 184 | 1 |
3 | Kansas | 87 | 6 | 68 | 0 |
3 | Kansas | 87 | 6 | 68 | 0 |
4 | Alabama | 83 | 25 | 117 | 3 |
5 | Louisiana | 63 | 6 | 61 | 4 |
6 | Illinois | 61 | 5 | 34 | 0 |
7 | Iowa | 61 | 6 | 53 | 7 |
8 | Georgia | 56 | 7 | 56 | 1 |
9 | Oklahoma | 53 | 8 | 28 | 1 |
10 | Nebraska | 52 | 4 | 31 | 0 |
11 | Minnesota | 49 | 4 | 77 | 0 |
12 | Colorado | 44 | 3 | 39 | 0 |
13 | Florida | 43 | 3 | 73 | 2 |
14 | North Carolina | 42 | 5 | 17 | 0 |
15 | Arkansas | 41 | 7 | 56 | 0 |
16 | Tennessee | 37 | 9 | 5 | 0 |
17 | Kentucky | 36 | 8 | 31 | 0 |
18 | Wisconsin | 31 | 2 | 34 | 0 |
19 | North Dakota | 30 | 2 | 20 | 0 |
20 | Indiana | 29 | 2 | 13 | 0 |
21 | Ohio | 29 | 2 | 32 | 0 |
22 | South Dakota | 25 | 2 | 27 | 0 |
23 | South Carolina | 24 | 2 | 28 | 0 |
24 | Virginia | 20 | 2 | 16 | 0 |
25 | Pennsylvania | 17 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
26 | Wyoming | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
27 | Michigan | 12 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
28 | New Mexico | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
29 | New York | 9 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
30 | California | 8 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
31 | Maryland | 8 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
32 | Montana | 7 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
33 | Arizona | 5 | 0 | 7 | 0 |
34 | Connecticut | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
35 | Maine | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
36 | Massachusetts | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
37 | New Jersey | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
38 | Washington | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
39 | West Virginia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
40 | Idaho | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
41 | Nevada | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
42 | New Hampshire | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
43 | Oregon | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
44 | Utah | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
45 | Delaware | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
46 | Vermont | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
47 | Alaska | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
48 | District of Columbia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
49 | Hawaii | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
50 | Rhode Island | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
States With Most Tornadoes
The ten states with the most tornadoes in the US are Texas, Mississippi, Kansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Texas is the state with the most tornadoes with an average of 120 tornadoes each year. Mississippi is the second state with the most tornadoes, reporting about 102 tornadoes annually. Kansas follows closely with an average of 87 tornadoes, while Alabama is the fourth state with the most tornadoes experiencing approximately 83 tornadoes per year. Louisiana is the fifth state with the most tornadoes witnessing an average of 63 tornadoes, and Illinois and Iowa both record around 61 tornadoes annually. Georgia is the eighth state with the most tornadoes with an average of 56 tornadoes, while Oklahoma experiences approximately 53 tornadoes. Finally, Nebraska is the tenth state with the most tornadoes with an average of 52 tornadoes each year.
Here are the top ten states with the most tornadoes:
1. Texas – 120
2. Mississippi – 102
3. Kansas – 87
3. Kansas – 87
4. Alabama – 83
5. Louisiana – 63
6. Illinois – 61
7. Iowa – 61
8. Georgia – 56
9. Oklahoma – 53
10. Nebraska – 52
State With Most Tornadoes
Texas, located in the southern region of Tornado Alley, is the state with the most tornadoes. With an average of 120 tornadoes each year, it stands out as the primary hotspot for tornado formation in the United States. Its vast size and geographical diversity contribute to the ideal conditions for tornadoes to develop. Texas lies in a region where warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico clashes with cooler, drier air, creating an atmospheric instability that fuels severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The state’s flat terrain and open spaces also facilitate the formation and movement of tornadoes. As a result, Texas remains a focal point for tornado research, emergency preparedness, and mitigation efforts, with communities actively working to enhance early warning systems and promote tornado safety education to mitigate the risks associated with these destructive weather phenomena.
Most Tornadoes by State
Alabama
Average Number of Tornadoes
83
Ranked in the US
#4
Average Number of Deaths
25
Ranked in the US
#1
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
117
Ranked in the US
#3
Number of Deaths in 2022
3
Ranked in the US
#3
Alabama records an average of 83 tornadoes, resulting in approximately 25 deaths per year. The state's location in the southern part of Tornado Alley exposes it to a variety of severe weather, including tornadoes, which can have a significant impact on the local communities.
Alaska
Average Number of Tornadoes
0
Ranked in the US
#47
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#34
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#45
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#10
Alaska, the largest state in the United States, has no reported average tornadoes or tornado-related deaths. The state's unique climatic conditions and geographical characteristics, including its colder climate and vast stretches of wilderness, make tornado formation extremely rare.
Arizona
Average Number of Tornadoes
5
Ranked in the US
#33
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#35
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
7
Ranked in the US
#25
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#11
Arizona experiences an average of 5 tornadoes per year, with no reported deaths in recent years. The state's desert climate and arid conditions make it less prone to tornado formation compared to other regions. However, occasional tornadoes can still occur, primarily associated with severe thunderstorms and dust storms.
Arkansas
Average Number of Tornadoes
41
Ranked in the US
#15
Average Number of Deaths
7
Ranked in the US
#8
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
56
Ranked in the US
#8
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#12
Arkansas experiences an average of 41 tornadoes annually, with no reported deaths in recent years. Situated in the southern part of Tornado Alley, the state is susceptible to tornadoes as warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico interacts with incoming weather systems.
California
Average Number of Tornadoes
8
Ranked in the US
#30
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#26
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
4
Ranked in the US
#31
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#13
California records an average of 8 tornadoes annually, causing approximately 1 death per year. Although not typically associated with tornadoes, California can experience tornadoes in certain regions, particularly in the Central Valley and parts of Southern California.
Colorado
Average Number of Tornadoes
44
Ranked in the US
#12
Average Number of Deaths
3
Ranked in the US
#17
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
39
Ranked in the US
#11
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#14
Colorado sees an average of 44 tornadoes each year, resulting in a low number of fatalities. The state's diverse topography and its position on the edge of the Rocky Mountains contribute to the development of tornadoes, often associated with severe thunderstorms and hail.
Connecticut
Average Number of Tornadoes
3
Ranked in the US
#34
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#36
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
1
Ranked in the US
#41
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#15
Connecticut, situated in the northeastern United States, records an average of 3 tornadoes annually, with no reported deaths in recent years. The state's tornadoes are generally weak and short-lived, typically forming within severe thunderstorms that pass through the region during the warmer months.
Delaware
Average Number of Tornadoes
1
Ranked in the US
#45
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#37
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#46
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#16
Delaware records an average of 1 tornado per year, with no reported deaths in recent years. Tornadoes in Delaware are relatively rare, but they can occur within severe thunderstorms that pass through the state during the spring and summer months.
District of Columbia
Average Number of Tornadoes
0
Ranked in the US
#48
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#38
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#47
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#17
The District of Columbia, home to the capital of the United States, has no reported average tornadoes or tornado-related deaths. The district's urban environment and smaller land area contribute to the lower likelihood of tornado occurrence compared to larger states.
Florida
Average Number of Tornadoes
43
Ranked in the US
#13
Average Number of Deaths
3
Ranked in the US
#18
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
73
Ranked in the US
#5
Number of Deaths in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#5
Florida witnesses an average of 43 tornadoes annually, causing a small number of deaths. While known for its hurricane activity, the state also experiences tornadoes, particularly during the tropical weather season, as strong thunderstorms and tropical systems move across the region.
Georgia
Average Number of Tornadoes
56
Ranked in the US
#8
Average Number of Deaths
7
Ranked in the US
#9
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
56
Ranked in the US
#9
Number of Deaths in 2022
1
Ranked in the US
#7
Georgia experiences an average of 56 tornadoes, causing about 7 deaths annually. Situated on the southeastern edge of Tornado Alley, the state's humid subtropical climate contributes to the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Hawaii
Average Number of Tornadoes
0
Ranked in the US
#49
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#39
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#48
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#18
Hawaii, a tropical paradise, has no reported average tornadoes or tornado-related deaths. The state's remote location in the Pacific Ocean and its warm, stable climate make it highly unlikely for tornadoes to form.
Idaho
Average Number of Tornadoes
2
Ranked in the US
#40
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#40
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
1
Ranked in the US
#42
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#19
Idaho experiences an average of 2 tornadoes per year, resulting in no reported deaths. Tornadoes in Idaho are generally weak and short-lived, primarily occurring within severe thunderstorms that move across the state's diverse landscapes, ranging from mountains to plateaus.
Illinois
Average Number of Tornadoes
61
Ranked in the US
#6
Average Number of Deaths
5
Ranked in the US
#13
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
34
Ranked in the US
#12
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#20
Illinois witnesses an average of 61 tornadoes, resulting in about 5 deaths each year. Located on the northern edge of Tornado Alley, Illinois experiences a mix of tornadoes generated by both warm and cold fronts, making it a region of interest for tornado research and preparedness efforts.
Indiana
Average Number of Tornadoes
29
Ranked in the US
#20
Average Number of Deaths
2
Ranked in the US
#19
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
13
Ranked in the US
#23
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#21
Indiana sees an average of 29 tornadoes each year, causing a small number of deaths. Located on the eastern edge of Tornado Alley, the state's tornadoes are generally associated with warm and cold fronts, as well as severe thunderstorms that move across the region.
Iowa
Average Number of Tornadoes
61
Ranked in the US
#7
Average Number of Deaths
6
Ranked in the US
#10
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
53
Ranked in the US
#10
Number of Deaths in 2022
7
Ranked in the US
#1
Iowa also records an average of 61 tornadoes, with around 6 deaths per year. The state's position in the central part of Tornado Alley exposes it to a wide range of severe weather events, including tornadoes, which can pose risks to lives and property.
Kansas
Average Number of Tornadoes
87
Ranked in the US
#3
Average Number of Deaths
6
Ranked in the US
#11
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
68
Ranked in the US
#6
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#22
Kansas, often considered the heart of Tornado Alley, ranks third with an average of 87 tornadoes and about 6 deaths annually. Its flat terrain and continental climate contribute to the high tornado frequency, attracting storm chasers and researchers to study the dynamic nature of these storms.
Kansas
Average Number of Tornadoes
87
Ranked in the US
#3
Average Number of Deaths
6
Ranked in the US
#11
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
68
Ranked in the US
#6
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#22
Kansas, often considered the heart of Tornado Alley, ranks third with an average of 87 tornadoes and about 6 deaths annually. Its flat terrain and continental climate contribute to the high tornado frequency, attracting storm chasers and researchers to study the dynamic nature of these storms.
Kentucky
Average Number of Tornadoes
36
Ranked in the US
#17
Average Number of Deaths
8
Ranked in the US
#6
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
31
Ranked in the US
#15
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#23
Kentucky has an average of 36 tornadoes annually, causing a small number of deaths. The state's geography, with its mixture of plains and rolling hills, can contribute to the formation of tornadoes when combined with the right atmospheric conditions.
Louisiana
Average Number of Tornadoes
63
Ranked in the US
#5
Average Number of Deaths
6
Ranked in the US
#12
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
61
Ranked in the US
#7
Number of Deaths in 2022
4
Ranked in the US
#2
Louisiana experiences an average of 63 tornadoes, causing around 6 deaths annually. Situated in the Gulf Coast region, the state is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, which can spawn tornadoes as a secondary threat.
Maine
Average Number of Tornadoes
3
Ranked in the US
#35
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#41
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#49
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#24
Maine, located in the New England region, also experiences an average of 3 tornadoes per year, resulting in no reported deaths. While tornadoes in Maine are relatively infrequent, they can still occur within severe thunderstorms, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Maryland
Average Number of Tornadoes
8
Ranked in the US
#31
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#27
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
6
Ranked in the US
#27
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#25
Maryland witnesses an average of 8 tornadoes per year, resulting in a small number of deaths. Located on the East Coast, tornadoes in Maryland are often associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly during the warmer months.
Massachusetts
Average Number of Tornadoes
3
Ranked in the US
#36
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#42
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#50
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#26
Massachusetts, a state with a diverse geography ranging from coastal areas to mountainous regions, witnesses an average of 3 tornadoes annually, causing no reported deaths. Tornadoes in Massachusetts are typically associated with severe thunderstorms, and the state implements various measures to ensure public safety and preparedness.
Michigan
Average Number of Tornadoes
12
Ranked in the US
#27
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#28
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
3
Ranked in the US
#33
Number of Deaths in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#6
Michigan records an average of 12 tornadoes annually, with about 1 death per year. Located in the Great Lakes region, Michigan's tornadoes primarily occur during the warmer months when warm, moist air interacts with incoming weather systems.
Minnesota
Average Number of Tornadoes
49
Ranked in the US
#11
Average Number of Deaths
4
Ranked in the US
#15
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
77
Ranked in the US
#4
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#27
Minnesota experiences an average of 49 tornadoes annually, with no reported deaths in recent years. Located in the upper Midwest, the state's tornadoes are typically associated with severe thunderstorms during the warmer months.
Mississippi
Average Number of Tornadoes
102
Ranked in the US
#2
Average Number of Deaths
13
Ranked in the US
#3
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
184
Ranked in the US
#1
Number of Deaths in 2022
1
Ranked in the US
#8
Mississippi follows closely, with an average of 102 tornadoes and approximately 13 deaths each year. Its location in the southeastern part of Tornado Alley exposes the state to the collision of warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and cool, dry air from the north, creating favorable conditions for tornado formation.
Montana
Average Number of Tornadoes
7
Ranked in the US
#32
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#29
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#34
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#29
Montana experiences an average of 7 tornadoes annually, with about 1 death per year. The state's tornadoes are typically associated with severe thunderstorms and occur primarily in the eastern and southeastern parts of Montana.
Nebraska
Average Number of Tornadoes
52
Ranked in the US
#10
Average Number of Deaths
4
Ranked in the US
#16
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
31
Ranked in the US
#16
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#30
Nebraska, located in Tornado Alley, has an average of 52 tornadoes, with about 4 deaths per year. The state's flat terrain and proximity to the convergence of warm and cool air masses make it prone to tornado activity, especially during the spring and early summer months.
Nevada
Average Number of Tornadoes
2
Ranked in the US
#41
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#43
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
1
Ranked in the US
#43
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#31
Nevada, known for its arid deserts and rugged mountain ranges, witnesses an average of 2 tornadoes annually, causing no reported deaths. Tornadoes in Nevada are relatively uncommon, but they can occur within severe thunderstorms, especially in the western and southern parts of the state.
New Hampshire
Average Number of Tornadoes
2
Ranked in the US
#42
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#44
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#35
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#32
New Hampshire, records an average of 2 tornadoes per year, resulting in no reported deaths. Tornadoes in New Hampshire are typically associated with severe thunderstorms, and the state's emergency management agencies emphasize preparedness and public safety awareness.
New Jersey
Average Number of Tornadoes
3
Ranked in the US
#37
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#45
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#36
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#33
New Jersey experiences an average of 3 tornadoes per year, with no reported deaths in recent years. Although tornadoes in New Jersey are relatively rare, the state's geographical location along the Atlantic Coast exposes it to severe weather systems that can occasionally produce tornadoes.
New Mexico
Average Number of Tornadoes
10
Ranked in the US
#28
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#30
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#37
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#34
New Mexico experiences an average of 10 tornadoes per year, causing approximately 1 death annually. The state's tornadoes are often associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly in the eastern and southeastern parts of New Mexico.
New York
Average Number of Tornadoes
9
Ranked in the US
#29
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#31
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
5
Ranked in the US
#29
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#35
New York sees an average of 9 tornadoes each year, resulting in a small number of deaths. Situated in the Northeastern part of the United States, New York's tornadoes are generally associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly during the spring and summer months.
North Carolina
Average Number of Tornadoes
42
Ranked in the US
#14
Average Number of Deaths
5
Ranked in the US
#14
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
17
Ranked in the US
#21
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#36
North Carolina records an average of 42 tornadoes per year, with no reported deaths in recent years. The state's location on the East Coast exposes it to severe weather systems, including tornadoes, generated by both frontal systems and tropical disturbances.
North Dakota
Average Number of Tornadoes
30
Ranked in the US
#19
Average Number of Deaths
2
Ranked in the US
#20
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
20
Ranked in the US
#20
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#37
North Dakota experiences an average of 30 tornadoes annually, resulting in a low number of fatalities. The state's tornadoes are often associated with strong thunderstorms and occasionally occur within the context of severe weather outbreaks across the northern Plains.
Ohio
Average Number of Tornadoes
29
Ranked in the US
#21
Average Number of Deaths
2
Ranked in the US
#21
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
32
Ranked in the US
#14
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#38
Ohio experiences an average of 29 tornadoes per year, resulting in about 2 deaths annually. Situated in the Midwestern region of the United States, Ohio encounters severe weather systems that can produce tornadoes, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Oklahoma
Average Number of Tornadoes
53
Ranked in the US
#9
Average Number of Deaths
8
Ranked in the US
#7
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
28
Ranked in the US
#17
Number of Deaths in 2022
1
Ranked in the US
#9
Oklahoma has an average of 53 tornadoes, resulting in approximately 8 deaths each year. Often referred to as the tornado capital of the world, Oklahoma experiences a high frequency of tornadoes due to its location within the central part of Tornado Alley and its favorable atmospheric conditions for tornado formation.
Oregon
Average Number of Tornadoes
2
Ranked in the US
#43
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#46
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
6
Ranked in the US
#28
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#39
Oregon experiences an average of 2 tornadoes annually, with no reported deaths in recent years. The state's tornadoes are most likely to occur in the eastern parts, where weather patterns and topography can contribute to their formation within severe thunderstorms.
Pennsylvania
Average Number of Tornadoes
17
Ranked in the US
#25
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#32
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
7
Ranked in the US
#26
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#40
Pennsylvania sees an average of 17 tornadoes per year, causing approximately 1 death annually. Located in the Northeastern part of the United States, Pennsylvania's tornadoes are often associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly during the spring and summer months.
Rhode Island
Average Number of Tornadoes
0
Ranked in the US
#50
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#47
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#51
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#41
Rhode Island, the smallest state in the United States, has no reported average tornadoes or tornado-related deaths. The state's limited land area and coastal location contribute to a lower risk of tornado occurrence compared to larger states with a more diverse geography.
South Carolina
Average Number of Tornadoes
24
Ranked in the US
#23
Average Number of Deaths
2
Ranked in the US
#22
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
28
Ranked in the US
#18
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#42
South Carolina records an average of 24 tornadoes each year, resulting in a small number of deaths. Positioned in the southeastern part of the country, the state experiences tornadoes as warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean interacts with weather systems moving across the region.
South Dakota
Average Number of Tornadoes
25
Ranked in the US
#22
Average Number of Deaths
2
Ranked in the US
#23
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
27
Ranked in the US
#19
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#43
South Dakota witnesses an average of 25 tornadoes annually, causing approximately 2 deaths per year. Located in the northern Great Plains, the state's tornadoes are often associated with severe thunderstorms and occasionally occur within the context of larger weather systems affecting the region.
Tennessee
Average Number of Tornadoes
37
Ranked in the US
#16
Average Number of Deaths
9
Ranked in the US
#5
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
5
Ranked in the US
#30
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#44
Tennessee witnesses an average of 37 tornadoes each year, resulting in a low number of deaths. Located in the southeastern part of the United States, the state's tornadoes are often associated with severe thunderstorms and are most prevalent during the spring months.
Texas
Average Number of Tornadoes
120
Ranked in the US
#1
Average Number of Deaths
11
Ranked in the US
#4
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
160
Ranked in the US
#2
Number of Deaths in 2022
3
Ranked in the US
#4
Texas is the state with the most tornadoes, experiencing on average 120 tornadoes annually, provoking about 11 deaths per year. With its vast size and diverse geography, Texas is prone to tornado activity throughout the year, resulting in a significant number of tornado-related incidents and fatalities.
Utah
Average Number of Tornadoes
2
Ranked in the US
#44
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#48
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
4
Ranked in the US
#32
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#45
Utah sees an average of 2 tornadoes per year, causing no reported deaths. Tornadoes in Utah are relatively infrequent, occurring primarily in the warmer months, and associated with severe thunderstorms moving across the state's diverse landscapes, including mountains and valleys.
Vermont
Average Number of Tornadoes
1
Ranked in the US
#46
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#49
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#38
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#46
Vermont experiences an average of 1 tornado per year, resulting in no reported deaths. Tornadoes in Vermont are generally weak and short-lived, primarily forming within severe thunderstorms associated with frontal systems moving across the region.
Virginia
Average Number of Tornadoes
20
Ranked in the US
#24
Average Number of Deaths
2
Ranked in the US
#24
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
16
Ranked in the US
#22
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#47
Virginia experiences an average of 20 tornadoes annually, with about 2 deaths per year. Situated in the Mid-Atlantic region, tornadoes in Virginia are typically associated with severe thunderstorms and occasionally occur during tropical weather events.
Washington
Average Number of Tornadoes
3
Ranked in the US
#38
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#50
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#39
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#48
Washington, known for its stunning landscapes and varied climate, sees an average of 3 tornadoes annually, resulting in no reported deaths. Tornadoes in Washington are often associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly in the eastern part of the state where climatic conditions are more favorable for their formation.
West Virginia
Average Number of Tornadoes
3
Ranked in the US
#39
Average Number of Deaths
0
Ranked in the US
#51
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
2
Ranked in the US
#40
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#49
West Virginia, situated in the Appalachian region, records an average of 3 tornadoes per year, with no reported deaths in recent years. The state's topography and proximity to weather systems passing through the eastern United States contribute to the occasional development of tornadoes.
Wisconsin
Average Number of Tornadoes
31
Ranked in the US
#18
Average Number of Deaths
2
Ranked in the US
#25
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
34
Ranked in the US
#13
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#50
Wisconsin records an average of 31 tornadoes per year, with no reported deaths in recent years. Situated in the Upper Midwest, the state's tornadoes are typically associated with severe thunderstorms, particularly during the warmer months.
Wyoming
Average Number of Tornadoes
14
Ranked in the US
#26
Average Number of Deaths
1
Ranked in the US
#33
Number of Tornadoes in 2022
1
Ranked in the US
#44
Number of Deaths in 2022
0
Ranked in the US
#51
Wyoming witnesses an average of 14 tornadoes each year, resulting in a small number of deaths. The state's tornadoes typically occur within the context of severe weather systems, and its vast, sparsely populated areas often minimize the impact on human life.
FAQs
What causes a tornado ?
A tornado is caused by the rapid rotation of air within a severe thunderstorm, typically resulting from the interaction between warm, moist air and cool, dry air.
Where is Tornado Alley ?
Tornado Alley is located in the central region of the United States, encompassing parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and other surrounding states.
What state has the most tornadoes ?
Texas has the highest number of tornadoes, with an average of 120 tornadoes occurring each year.
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