An Exploratory Analysis of Tracking the Shift of Tornado Alley Using NOAA Storm Data

"Tornado alley" is a region of the central United States that is especially prone to tornado formation due to various geographic (e.g. Great Plains / flat terrain) and meteorological (cold dry air from the Canadian Rockies and West coast meets warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico) features. Although it has historically encompassed states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, there is speculation that Tornado Alley might be shifting due to changes in climate patterns over the years.

This project aims to explore and analyze geographic storm data in the continental united states from roughly 1950 to modern day. The objective is to track, model, and predict the shift of "tornado alley," by monitoring the storm data such as the frequency, magnitude, and area of effect of occurrences. If successful, such a model could be used to predict high risk areas, and encourage storm preparation.