Following the recent trend of tornadoes touching down farther east of tornado alley, some meteorologists said the region of typical increased tornadic activity has shifted.
Jane Marie Wix, warning coordination meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Jackson, said forecasters have been observing trends in tornadoes for years, and it is undeniable that there is a change occurring. However, she said that while the eastern region has seen more tornados, the area of tornado alley is still seeing frequent storms.
“It’s also kind of a matter of the time of the year and the time of the day, because the regular tornado alley is still there. I feel like we’ve just added a new tornado alley, as well. So, yes, we can definitely say there have been more tornados toward the Mississippi Valley than there was in the past, and that seems to be a trend that is continuing,” said Wix.
She attributes the increase to various changes to the local climate, saying it all comes down to what systems develop and how they pass through a region. She also said tornados can strike at any time of the year.
“Most of our tornados usually happen in the spring but just keep in mind that tornados can happen really any time of the year. They can happen in the summer, they can happen in the fall, they can happen in the winter. So, just always make sure that you are prepared,” said Wix.
She said it is important for people to be aware of how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe during a tornado. Having a safe place, a way to get there, and a way to receive weather alerts are all important parts of any safety plan.
Following spring storms, Wix said there was a misconception that the Jackson Weather Service was not staffed at times. However, Wix said they will always be staffed and operational when severe weather is forecast, even through the nighttime, with measures in place to shift staff schedules to make it possible, and to keep everyone safe.