Why People Still Build in Tornado Alley Despite the Risks

One common query circulating the internet is why people continue to build in the Midwest of America, famously known as 'Tornado Alley,' despite its high susceptibility to severe weather events. To understand this phenomenon, we must examine the unique factors driving human migration and settlement, as well as the evolving approaches to building safety.

The Risks of Building in Tornado Alley

Dubbed 'Tornado Alley,' the Midwest region is notorious for its intense and frequent tornado activity. However, it is rarely the case that any particular location in this region experiences multiple tornadoes in quick succession. This, combined with the relatively rarity of strong tornadoes, has led some to wonder if the Midwest is truly as dangerous as it seems.

A monumental test of the structural integrity of houses in the Midwest came in the form of the tornado that struck Moore, Oklahoma in 2013, causing a semitrailer truck to be tossed over 60 meters into the air. While this certainly demonstrates the destructive power of such storms, it also highlights the importance of proper building design and materials in mitigating the risks.

Consider, for instance, the effectiveness of brick houses in resisting such events. During the aforementioned tornado, a trailer with a much lower payload was tossed over 60 meters. In contrast, a brick house would struggle to withstand such an impact, highlighting the vulnerability of conventional constructions in tornado-prone areas.

Comparisons with Other Regions

The same logic applies to people living on the coast in hurricane-prone areas. Coastal communities are often built in harm's way, knowing that a severe hurricane could potentially cause catastrophic damage. Similarly, residents of the arid western regions of the United States, where large wildfires are a common occurrence, put their lives at risk by choosing to live in these areas.

Even the western coast of the United States is fraught with natural hazards. The San Andreas Fault, known for the significant and inevitable earthquake it will trigger, and the risk of lahars from a potential eruption of Mount Rainier, another natural disaster waiting to happen, pose substantial threats to nearby residents. Despite these risks, people choose to live in these areas for the simple reason that the world offers few places entirely free of natural disaster risks.

Building Codes and Safety Standards

While the risks associated with building in Tornado Alley are clear, the question remains: why aren’t building codes more stringent in these vulnerable regions? The answer lies in the realities of rebuilding costs and the fact that tornadoes rarely hit the same area multiple times.

In regions like Florida, where hurricanes are frequent, building codes are incredibly stringent to protect against the forces exerted by hurricane-force winds. However, in the Midwest, where the majority of tornadoes are of minor to moderate intensity, the focus is often on ensuring that homes can survive the more common, albeit less extreme, storms. As a result, stricter building codes may not provide a significant return on investment for these areas.

The Need for Resilient Living Spaces

Despite the risks, people need places to live. The eastern coast and Gulf Coast are naturally prone to hurricanes and coastal flooding, while the western region is inherently at risk from earthquakes and wildfires. Hence, it is no surprise that people continue to settle in the Great Plains and Midwest.

While some places have more stringent building codes than others, the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit often guide settlement patterns more than pure risk assessments. Perception and the need for shelter and community drive people to build in regions where natural disasters are a frequent occurrence. As technology progresses and our understanding of natural disasters improves, we can expect to see continued efforts to enhance building safety and infrastructure resilience in these regions.

In conclusion, while the Midwest of America is considered 'Tornado Alley,' the choice to build and reside there is a complex interplay of natural risks, economic considerations, and the inherent human desire for a place to call home.