Why do tornadoes often occur in Tornado Alley?

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. Related links: Where else in the world do tornadoes frequently occur? read more

Tornado Alley is a name for the area of the United States (and Canada) where tornadoes are most likely to occur. read more

The reason is because Tornado Alley (Dixie Alley is a little different) get so many tornadoes is because all the “ingredients” required for a tornado to form exist in that area. OK happens to be in the center. read more

No other place in the world has such ideal conditions for tornado formation. Warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico frequently moves over the region from the south. read more