Living In The Epicenter Of 'Tornado Alley'

By Steve Kraske,

Published March 24, 2021 at 5:03 PM CDT

This photo taken May 24, 2016, shows a tornado sweeping across the countryside outside of Dodge City, Kansas.

While tornados can't be stopped, better technology means the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration can see weather patterns favorable for their formation days ahead of time.

Segment begins at 1:00: The channel formed between the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains is the ideal breeding ground for destructive weather phenomena.
There are specific reasons why twisters form so readily in states like Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. A meteorologist and emergency preparedness expert explains why Tornado Alley deserves its name, and he shares practical tips for severe weather preparedness.

Kevin Kloesel, Ph.D., director, Oklahoma Climatological Survey, meteorologist for the University of Oklahoma Office of Emergency Preparedness

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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