What Makes Oklahoma So Prone To Tornadoes?

Did you know that there have been 320 tornados in Oklahoma since 1950? The risk level of these natural disasters is very high, with a yearly average of 5! According to records, Oklahoma city’s largest tornado was the F5 in 2013, causing 24 deaths and 212 injuries. This is why people across the city are investing in storm shelters and safe rooms in their homes. But what makes Oklahoma so prone to these disasters? Read on to find out: 

What is Tornado Alley?

Tornado Alley is a term used to refer to those areas in the U.S where there’s a high risk of tornado development. Oklahoma lies inside the ‘Tornado Alley’ along with Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota. The climate and geography of this region are one of the prime reasons for frequent tornados. 

How Are Tornadoes Formed In Oklahoma?

The warm, wet air from the Gulf of Mexico coupled with cold, dry air from the Rocky Mountains range makes Oklahoma an ideal breeding ground for these tornados. The water there tends to retain more heat as compared to the land and air. Since the city is close to the Gulf of Mexico, there’s no dearth of moist and warm air. Cold winds that blow from Canada help lower the temperatures, acting as fuel for nasty thunderstorms.

The critical tornado months in Oklahoma are April and May when the winter season’s cold winds meet the heat of the upcoming summer. The contrasting air masses prompt these thunderstorms. The warmer air then rises through the cold air, leading to an updraft. This updraft starts rotating updraft, forming what is called a mesocycle. This continues to draw in warm air, increasing its rotating speed. The tiny water droplets from moist air condense to form a cloud and then descends and reach ground level forming a tornado.

How To Keep Safe?

Safe rooms are essential for cities that are in Tornado Alley. These act as a shelter during any natural disaster to keep everyone safe and secure. Safe rooms aren’t just regular rooms but are made with special material and an intricate locking system.

In a tornado-vexed city like Oklahoma, it’s essential to ensure that you have a shelter to keep you and your family members safe. Oklahoma Shelters has been in the business for over seven years, installing storm shelters for commercial and residential in OKC. We offer various storm shelters, including concrete shelters, underground cement shelters, garage shelters, and safe rooms that meet FEMA’s standards.

Call us at 405-367-7901 for a free quote on storm shelters.