Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S. and proved deadly as well as destructive Saturday as whipping winds moved east into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South, with at least 17 people killed and scores of homes decimated.
Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as it withstood scattered twisters overnight that resulted in at least 11 deaths, authorities said. The State Highway Patrol also reported that multiple people were injured.
The deaths included a man who was killed after a tornado ripped apart his home.
The average annual number of reported tornadoes in the U.S. has remained relatively stable, with approximately 1,000 tornadoes occurring each year.
Regional Shifts:
Decreased Activity in "Tornado Alley": Traditionally referred to as "Tornado Alley," the central U.S., encompassing states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, has experienced a decline in tornado frequency.
Increased Activity in the Southeast and Midwest: Conversely, tornado occurrences have risen significantly in regions such as the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast. States such as Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky have reported heightened tornado activity.
Intensity Trends:
While the total number of tornadoes has remained stable, the frequency of strong to violent tornadoes (rated EF3 or higher) has declined significantly over the past few decades.
Influence of Reporting Practices:
Advancements in detection technology and increased public awareness have led to more comprehensive reporting of weaker tornadoes (EF0 and EF1). This improvement in reporting practices contributes to the perception of increased tornado frequency in certain regions.
