This map shows where most tornadoes form in the United States. The red
area is known as "Tornado Alley". Most of the tornadoes in the southern
U.S. near the Gulf of Mexico are formed by
hurricanes
Click on image for full size
What is "Tornado Alley"?
The land which stretches from Texas to Manitoba is relatively flat, most
of which is part of the Great Plains in the United States. The flat land
is a good breeding ground for the storms which
produce tornadoes.
Cold dry polar air from Canada can move to the south without any
obstacles, as can warm moist tropical air from the Gulf of Mexico move to
the north.
Most tornadoes in the United States form in an area called "Tornado
Alley". This area includes parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
Storm chasers
frequent this area because it has the highest frequency of tornadoes. These
tornadoes are formed by
thunderstorms. Some tornadoes in
southern states such as Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia are formed by
hurricanes.
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