Classification and Analysis of Tornado Outbreaks in Dixie Alley and Tornado Alley

Numerous studies have been done on the popular area attributed with tornado frequency known as Tornado Alley. However, the number of studies done on the secondary tornado frequency maximum, Dixie Alley are not as numerous, and studies on outbreaks in this area are even less common. This study aims to analyze the tornado outbreaks in Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley to determine which area has more severe outbreaks during the years 2000 through 2014. Since these areas, as well as the term outbreak, are relative to perception, this paper will define these terms to set limits on the data analyzed. Parameters such as number of occurrences, path length and width, dollar loss, injuries and fatalities will all be taken into consideration during this study. Statistics will be presented on the outbreaks and individual tornadoes within them. Critical findings show that Dixie Alley received more severe tornado outbreaks than Tornado Alley, and that this area is at a much higher threat for severe tornado outbreaks.