2006-06-12 09:46:14 · 6 answers · asked by Ghekkoe D 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
There are a couple reasons. First off, Texas is the second-largest state in the US, next to Alaska. So, there is more area in the state for tornadoes to occur.
Secondly, Texas is right in the heart of Tornado Alley. This is a place in the continental US where the airflow is just right for supercell thunderstorms (tornado-causing storms) to form, with warm, moist air rolling off of the Gulf of Mexico, dry air coming from the Mojave Desert, and cool air flowing off of the Rockies. The combination of these air masses provide a lot of atmospheric instability, prompting thunderstorms.
Due to the winds around Texas/Oklahoma, the storms are more likely to be supercells, and more likely to form tornadoes.
Texas might have the most number of tornadoes in a given year, but Oklahoma actually has the most tornadoes per unit area in the US because of the wind patterns being even better for tornado formation there.
2006-06-12 09:51:23 · answer #1 · answered by Toby34A 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Texas is a hot state as a rule and is mostly flat and it is always at risk for tornadoes because of these reasons and also in line with Tornado Alley. But Texas isn't the only state that is affected by tornadoes, Oklahoma, Louisiana, California and Pennsylvania to name a few. Tornadoes can occur anywhere, regardless if it is flat or hilly or inbetween.
All I can say is if you hear that a tornado is nearby you, go into your cellar or fruit cellar or storm cellar ASAP.
Stay safe!
2006-06-12 19:28:04 · answer #2 · answered by Lyndee 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is more humid and hot in Texas, resulting in more clouds. The air higher up is cooled, and when the two air temps. brush each other, it causes a funnel cloud, which in turn makes a tornado.
2006-06-12 16:55:43 · answer #3 · answered by jedisoldier195 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because this is part of "Tornado Alley". Although, Tornado Alley extents to other states as well.
2006-06-12 16:50:22 · answer #4 · answered by kj 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Texas,Oklahoma,Kansas,Missouri,Nebraska, and so on... are tornado alley. Texas is huge, and thats why. Here's more info on tornado alley.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornado_Alley
2006-06-12 19:19:37 · answer #5 · answered by videogamer91193 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
God hates rednecks and people that live in trailers
2006-06-12 16:48:58 · answer #6 · answered by jdhayman 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋