EF5 Twister Strikes North Dakota Amid Shifting Tornado Alley

Last year, the United States experienced a significant shift in tornado hot spots, with activity primarily concentrated in the South and Midwest. This trend builds upon observations of a long-term eastward migration of "Tornado Alley" due to regional climate changes, though each season presents unique weather patterns. Texas once again led the nation in tornado occurrences for the second consecutive year.

Despite a decrease in overall tornadoes compared to the previous year, the total number of twisters exceeded the historical annual average. Fatalities from tornadoes also increased. Illinois ranked second in tornado activity, followed by Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, and North Dakota. The state of North Dakota recorded the strongest tornado in the U.S. since 2013, an EF5 with winds over 210 miles per hour.

While climate change's precise impact on tornadoes is still under investigation, warmer air's capacity to hold more moisture and shifting wind patterns play a role. Advancements in radar technology and documentation have contributed to increased tornado observations over the past 50 years. However, the observed eastward shift is also linked to warming Gulf of Mexico temperatures, which can influence storm systems and increase tornado activity in the southeastern U.S.