This month a string of deadly tornadoes, violent dust storms and fast-moving wildfires ripped across several midwestern and southern states, leaving at least 42 people dead. Interestingly, many of these deaths happened outside of Tornado Alley, the term for the central United States region where tornadoes occur most frequently. With this eastern shift of Tornado Alley, many citizens are seeing disastrous weather without being prepared. At this moment, inclement weather knowledge and preparation among these newly affected states is dire. 

The most important step to take is to identify a safe shelter. Choose a storm shelter, basement, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. The next best thing to do is to create an emergency kit with essential supplies. This includes water, non-perishable food, flashlights and a first aid kit. Though tornadoes are not usually common in the midwest and southern regions of the United States, this new trend gives great reason for residents of those parts of the country to seriously prepare. By simply ensuring an individual has a sturdy shelter and kit of supplies, they have worked towards preparation for a strong storm that may come their way.

While there is no definite answer as to why Tornado Alley is shifting, experts believe it is strongly connected to climate change and the warming of the planet. This warming, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, leads to more moisture in the atmosphere, increasing instability. As the causes become uncovered and understood, taking simple steps to ensure an individual is prepared for such a natural disaster is crucial for safety.