The United States leads the world in tornado occurrences, and the costly process of rebuilding after these natural disasters shows no signs of relief as tornadoes continue to increase in some areas.
Over the past six years, the U.S. has experienced 17 separate billion-dollar tornado events, as reported by CNBC’s Katie Koontz. Just in 2022, there have already been two such disasters, and the costs associated with tornadoes are expected to rise.
According to FEMA Associate Administrator for Resilience Victoria Salinas, rebuilding is a lengthy and challenging process that can take years for communities to recover from.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) states that the U.S. sees approximately 1,200 tornadoes each year. While most occur in Tornado Alley, which includes states like Oklahoma, Kansas, and northern Texas, tornadoes have been observed in all 50 states.
Atmospheric scientist and disaster geographer Walker Ashley from Northern Illinois University (NIU) explained to ABC News that warmer global temperatures increase the likelihood of the “fundamental ingredients” necessary for tornado formation. Although scientists are still investigating the exact connection between tornadoes and climate change, storms are occurring more frequently in unconventional areas, potentially causing wider destruction.
A joint study by NIU and the NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory in 2018 found significant increasing trends of tornado reports and environments in parts of the Southeast and Midwest.
The higher population density east of the Mississippi River also contributes to increased vulnerability to tornadoes. Victor Gensini, an associate professor at NIU, explains that more people and infrastructure in these areas create more targets and exposure to tornadoes.
While tornado-resistant structures are more expensive to build, they can significantly reduce the need for post-storm rebuilding and protect human lives. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety suggests features such as fortified roofs, impact-resistant windows and doors, and wind-rated garage doors capable of withstanding debris to limit damage and ensure safety.
Some communities are implementing building codes to combat the destructive power of high winds. Following the devastating tornado in Joplin, Missouri, in 2011 that claimed 161 lives and caused nearly $3 billion in damage, the city began requiring enhanced storm-proofing measures for structures.
The federal government has also taken action to assist in tornado resilience. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal passed in 2021 includes provisions aimed at creating disaster resilience and reducing pollution associated with extreme weather events.
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