Short Wave Tornado Alley: Home Of Extreme Winds
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Apr 2, 2025 
Freelance science journalist Sushmita Pathak, an expert on tornado geography, joins guest host Berly McCoy to discuss Tornado Alley, home to around 1,200 tornadoes each year. They dive into why this region sees so many more tornadoes than other parts of the world, attributing it to geographical factors. Pathak contrasts conditions in Central South America, revealing intriguing disparities. The duo also examines the impact of climate change on tornado activity, highlighting the complexity of environmental influences beyond just increasing temperatures.
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Basement Tornadoes
- Berly McCoy frequently took cover in her basement as a child due to potential tornadoes.
- This was a normal part of life growing up near Tornado Alley.
Tornado Alley Hotspot
- Tornado Alley experiences significantly more tornadoes than other global regions.
- Sushmita Pathak attributes this to geographical factors.
Tornado Formation
- Tornadoes form from thunderstorms where diverse winds and temperatures collide.
- This interaction, called wind shear, creates rotation, potentially leading to tornadoes.