Abstract
This paper examines how individual’s views of their location relative to Tornado Alley affects their decision to shelter. Tornado Alley is a common term promoted by the media as an area of the United States thought to have the greatest tornado intensity and frequency. While this term is now considered anachronistic by meteorologists, it is a colloquial term that individuals might use to guide tornado safety-related decisions. For this study, an online survey was used to identify where respondents believed Tornado Alley to be and how their location relative to it affected their decision to take shelter. It was found that one’s perception of the location of Tornado Alley had little influence on behavior. Proximity to tornado warnings was more important. It was also found that maps depicting Tornado Alley are unhelpful and may even cause harm. Instead, maps showing tornado frequency should be used to help people understand the tornado risk for their area.
Recommended Citation
Lippi, Sara R.; Call, David A.; and Hitchens, Nathan M.
(2025)
"Individuals’ Perspectives on the Location of Tornado Alley and Their Decision to Take Shelter,"
The Geographical Bulletin: Vol. 66:
Iss.
1, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/thegeographicalbulletin/vol66/iss1/5