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State climatologist: “Tornado Alley” shifting east to southern Illinois

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Illinois

* Isaac Smith at The Southern…

As memories of the Leap Day Tornado that hit Harrisburg eight years ago resurface, and as images of the Tuesday morning Nashville, Tennessee tornado flood the news, Illinois’ state climatologist says the area known as Tornado Alley is shifting east.

Many who grew up in the region recall talks in school about the infamous portion of the United States where tornadoes were commonplace. However, Trent Ford, Illinois state climatologist with the State Water Survey at the University of Illinois, said Tuesday that this zone has shifted east. Where once the majority of tornado activity was relegated to places like Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, he said, tornado activity has shifted over to Southern Illinois and northern Mississippi.

Ford said several studies over the last decade have confirmed the shift. Research also shows the storms aren’t just one-and-done systems. Researchers are seeing an increase in the region in tornado outbreaks — systems that spawn more than one tornado. […]

Ford said while research is still being conducted, it is not alarmist to attribute some of the shift to climate change. He said with increasing temperatures, it does make it more likely that the region will have conditions that are conducive to severe weather earlier in the spring.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 9:32 am

Comments

Been hearing about this. Another subtle change in the climate. The “Dry Line” is also shifting East. That area on a color map where it shifts from green to brownish. Used to be central Kansas and is now 140 miles closer, almost in Missouri.
https://e360.yale.edu/digest/a-north-american-climate-boundary-has-shifted-140-miles-east-due-to-global-warming

Comment by Anotheretiree Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 9:55 am
Not surprised. Union and Alexander counties have been hit with deadly twisters for years.
One touched down in Ware, in January.

Comment by efudd Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 10:10 am
Even the tornadoes are starting to move to Indiana

Comment by Batman Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 11:59 am
Climate change is a reason for the shift? Ironic that southern Illinois is pretty much Trump country that denies climate change.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 2:06 pm
Batman,

Too funny. You win the internet today.

Comment by Proud Sucker Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 2:35 pm
I’m sure this is something that can be addressed with another tax.

Comment by Team America Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 3:24 pm
And just like that President Trump is the problem.

Comment by Nieva Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 4:54 pm
This is Severe Storm Preparedness Week in Illinois. Spotter training classes are in full swing-

https://www.weather.gov/ilx/spotter

Comment by Anon221 Wednesday, Mar 4, 20 @ 6:07 pm
== I’m sure this is something that can be addressed with another tax.==
Can you elaborate? Who proposed a tax and what would the tax do?

Comment by Da Big Bad Wolf Thursday, Mar 5, 20 @ 8:38 am

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