Other tornado hotspots outside of tornado alley

[Josh Murfield]

We all know about the tornado frequencey here in tornado alley, but I came across a map this weekend showing tornado frequency (I forget the exact numbers, but it was the number of tornadoes per x number of square miles over the past 50 years), and was surprised to see that a large portion of central Indiana had a big bullseye in it, with a number as high as parts of Nebraska and Kansas. So I guess my question is, is that evident to all of the more seasoned chasers here- is Indiana a place on your radar just as much as Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, etc. when planning chase trips?
I guess I was just under the impression that though I know that area gets tornadoes at times, that it wasn't nearly as much of a true concern each Spring as it is here in "the alley", that they deal more with MCS's that roll through with straight-line winds and heavy rain.

 

[Melissa Jablonski]

It is on mine for obvious reasons. Also people tend to forget that the Super Outbreak in
1974 and the Palm Sunday outbreak of 1965 both targeted Indiana. We have tons of tornadoes. Most are EF0's or EF 1's. Some are huge and deadly.
Melissa

 

[Pete Smith]

We all know about the tornado frequencey here in tornado alley, but I came across a map this weekend showing tornado frequency (I forget the exact numbers, but it was the number of tornadoes per x number of square miles over the past 50 years), and was surprised to see that a large portion of central Indiana had a big bullseye in it, with a number as high as parts of Nebraska and Kansas. So I guess my question is, is that evident to all of the more seasoned chasers here- is Indiana a place on your radar just as much as Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, etc. when planning chase trips?
I guess I was just under the impression that though I know that area gets tornadoes at times, that it wasn't nearly as much of a true concern each Spring as it is here in "the alley", that they deal more with MCS's that roll through with straight-line winds and heavy rain.

I'm not a seasoned chaser, but I do know that many chasers don't chase through areas outside of tornado alley due to the road network and visual obstructions such as large forests. So while not familiar with southern Indiana, my guess is that is not one of the more highly chases areas.

Now having lived in the Chicago area all my life, I think we are more under the threat of those aforementioned MCS's and derechos with the damaging straight line winds and heavy rain. While the immediate Chicago area has had their share of tornado outbreaks (two in 1967 before I was born, the superoutbreak in 1974 which I was too young to remember, the Plainfield F5 tornado in August of 1990 and an F2 tornado in the south suburbs last June), I do believe Lake Michigan holds down the number and intensity of tornadoes. However, we are most certainly not completely immune and are definately overdue for a large tornado within the city (the F0 tornado that barely touched the Loyola University campus three years ago was a HUGE close call for the area!).

Having said that though, the last two August's have produced two of the worst derechos that have moved through the Chicago area in a long time, and those I would say are a much bigger threat than an isolated tornado in that the wide spread wind damage is a much bigger issue. And both of these derechos did produce isolated spin up tornadoes at the front of the line, but not anything much worse than the widespread wind damage that occurred throughout the line.

Now having gone through one of the quietest springs in awhile, there are now indications that this week could be quite fun around here! I think a couple of those MCS/derechos could potentially be in the cards here. But if you want a better chance of stronger tornadoes away from the stablizing influence of Lake Michigan, our "mini" tornado alley of the southwest suburbs of Chicago into north central Illinois is the place to hunt for them. Quite a lot of tornadoes hit the Joliet and DeKalb areas before they either weaken as they travel northeastward toward Lake Michigan, or pass by untouched into central Indiana.

 

[Keith Mullen]

There's three notable areas that our outside what is commonly viewed as "Tornado Alley:

The first runs nearly N-S through Illinois/Iowa/Western Kentucky and the second running WSW-ENE in Alabama/Missisippi. Both alleys are not necessarily notable for shear numbers of tornadoes, but stand out like a sore thumb when you look at the disproportionately high numbers of truly devastating touchdowns. Very high numbers of F5 / F4 counts in the totals.

The third area is right smack in Central Florida, more-so West Central Florida. The opposite is true in this "alley" Very high touchdown rates - but very few are what most would rate significant.

Then if you want to venture COMPLETELY outside of "Tornado Alley": You have southern Idaho extending down into Utah just a little S of SLC, far southern-central Arizona, the SW tip of California - and the Central Valley area, The Willamette Valley in Oregon to N of Portland, also Puget Sound and eastern-most plains in Washington. There's also some pretty significant areas up along the NE coastline as well.

...tornadoes happen all over the place - way more frequently than folks believe... but if you can't see them through the trees - and it didn't take down an obvious structure...

...did it happen?

Keith

 

[Jon Miller]

The northern half of Indiana ( and Ohio for that matter) is fair for chasing - relatively flat with good road network but not the best visibility due to tree groves and numerous woods. Southern Indiana is hilly and very wooded and pretty but not very good for chasing - akin to chasing in the Ozarks of Missouri or Arkansas or the hilly terrain of Kentucky or Tennessee.

Central Illinois ,from about I-80 down to south of I-70 , is good chasing territory with a fair number of tornadoes and even some small outbreaks occasionally. It is very flat for the most part and very open with good visibility - similar to the eastern 1/3 of Kansas in terrain. The very southern part of Illinois gets hilly with only fair visibility and is similar to the hilliness of southern Missouri except for the flat boot heel area. I like Illinois for a long day chase (from western Ohio) when the conditions are there - ie moderate risk with a 10% or greater tornado probability.

 

[Josh Murfield]

Thanks everyone, it's fascinating to learn about what it's like in areas outside of the alley. It has just seemed odd to me that I don't seem to see tornado watch boxes in that area (central Indiana) nearly as often as I do in Nebraska or Kansas, so it surprised me to see that the tornado frequency in that area is the same. Maybe not noticing watches/warnings in that area is truly from my tornado alley bias and nothing more.

 

[Jason Foster]

The central Florida area mentioned earlier is really good spot. It is very plains like with flat terrain and minimal obstructions. Been through that area a few times, chasing storms, and it's not bad.

I think with any area outside the plains, it's just the evaluation of time and money versus the likelihood of finding something worth while. The big thing for the west is the Dryline. That is the single most factor that enhances storms there than anywhere else that just make the experience unique, clear, and enjoyable. Tornadoes are numerous in the areas mentioned, but bottom line for me and others (as mentioned), there is just no other place you're going to get a supercell like that along the dryline.

 

[Adam Lucio]

Will and Kankakee counies here in northeast Illinois are what I refer to as "Chicagos tornado alley" A short drive on I-57 puts you in an area with awesome terrain and favorable for storms to maintain themselves without the influence of that damned lake. I often think about how things would play out if that lake wasnt there. I know the lake doesnt protect us totaly like the urban legend says, but often times our surface winds are off the lake which will localy stabalize the air.

However, there have been times where a lake breeze can increase surface convergence and actually aid thundertorm development. Generally though this works against storm development but there have been times where the lake breeze actually intensified the storms.

 

[Eian Greene]

Weld county up in northern Colorado is a hotspot, as is the eastern Douglas, Elbert, and western Lincoln county region - along the northern flank of the Palmer Divide. These areas are usually favorable for landspouts when a Denver Cyclone gets setup.

Another place I've noticed is in Middle TN, around Nashville, southeastwards to about Manchester. Rutherford county is one of the counties with the most recorded tornadoes (from 1955 to present) in the region...

Jackson, TN seems like another place, having several events since the 1990s, with 2/5/08's EF-4 being the most recent, along the north side of I-40 to the Union Univ. campus and points east/northeast.

 

[Melissa Jablonski]

Thanks everyone, it's fascinating to learn about what it's like in areas outside of the alley. It has just seemed odd to me that I don't seem to see tornado watch boxes in that area (central Indiana) nearly as often as I do in Nebraska or Kansas, so it surprised me to see that the tornado frequency in that area is the same. Maybe not noticing watches/warnings in that area is truly from my tornado alley bias and nothing more.

One reason you may not see so many watches in Indiana is this. A lot of the tornadic storms that occur in Indiana initiate in Iowa or Illiniois and race to the East into Indiana. Most fizzle before they get here but some don't.
Sorry I don't have stats just personal observation. Usually our watches seem to occur because of ongoing storms in those states.Please correct me if I'm wrong anyone. I don't want to give incorrect information.
Melissa

 

[Pete Smith]

Weld county up in northern Colorado is a hotspot, as is the eastern Douglas, Elbert, and western Lincoln county region - along the northern flank of the Palmer Divide. These areas are usually favorable for landspouts when a Denver Cyclone gets setup.

Dr. Forbes on the Weather Channel mentioned the Denver Cyclone setup the other day. Very interesting! A local phenomenon like the lake breeze setup here in Chicago.

 

[Keith Mullen]

Kind of Ironic really...

It's almost easier to say where in the US doesn't have a fair amount of tornadic seasons - than it is to quantify places that do.

40 year averages.

 

[Shaun Galman]

It's great to read about events other than the prime Tornado Alley area's. I could imagine that there would be some amazing events go relatively unnoticed or un-captured outside the usual US states ie; Kansas, Nebraska eg.

I apologize if this is a little off topic but how broad an area would you like to cover in the thread title?

I may be able to offer a few Australian tornado facts for you? We have a little flurry of them in the Eastern states that usually kicks off in September (late Spring) during our best Supercellular triggering phase and continuing into the summer season leading into December. I know of a few F2 to F3 events that really got us weather enthusiasts excited last summer! An F3, (possible F4) was photographed at Nimmitabel NSW last summer, just south of Canberra. We do actually get quite a few each year but we have such a sparse population that they usually go unnoticed unless they cause noticeable damage.

I've never seen one myself but I live in hope Reading these threads and seeing the stunning photos and video is a great learning experience! I understand storm formation, structure and lightning very well but I'm a total noob when it comes to Tornado's.

I live to learn!
Take care,
Shauno

 

[Josh Murfield]

It's great to read about events other than the prime Tornado Alley area's. I could imagine that there would be some amazing events go relatively unnoticed or un-captured outside the usual US states ie; Kansas, Nebraska eg.

I apologize if this is a little off topic but how broad an area would you like to cover in the thread title?

I may be able to offer a few Australian tornado facts for you? We have a little flurry of them in the Eastern states that usually kicks off in September (late Spring) during our best Supercellular triggering phase and continuing into the summer season leading into December. I know of a few F2 to F3 events that really got us weather enthusiasts excited last summer! An F3, (possible F4) was photographed at Nimmitabel NSW last summer, just south of Canberra. We do actually get quite a few each year but we have such a sparse population that they usually go unnoticed unless they cause noticeable damage.

I've never seen one myself but I live in hope Reading these threads and seeing the stunning photos and video is a great learning experience! I understand storm formation, structure and lightning very well but I'm a total noob when it comes to Tornado's.

I live to learn!
Take care,
Shauno

Thanks for the info, Shaun! It is interesting to hear about other hotspots outside of the U.S. as well.

 

[Billy Griffin]

Keith mentioned earlier, but a nice little and mostly unknown hot spot is along the I-5 corridor along the west coast; from Bellingham, WA through Seattle and down to the Portland, OR area. Convergence is enhanced with the Cascades uplift and believe it or not, there are some nice, flat terrain areas within these regions.