Kansas City: Hold My Beer While I Dodge This Tornado (Hopefully Not Literally)
Ah, Kansas City. Land of jazz, barbecue, and... oh yeah, tornadoes. Lots and lots of tornadoes. ️ If you're thinking about moving there, or maybe just planning a road trip, you might be curious just how often these twisters come knocking (or rather, swirling menacingly). Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into the fascinating, slightly terrifying world of Kansas City's tornado history.
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| How Many Tornadoes Have Hit Kansas City |
So, How Many Tornadoes Are We Talking About Here?
This is where things get a little tricky. Unlike counting pigeons in a park (though that could be a surprisingly difficult task as well), tracking tornadoes isn't exactly an exact science. Tornadoes can be sneaky little devils, sometimes appearing and disappearing in a flash. However, thanks to some intrepid weather nerds (and yes, that is a compliment in the meteorology world), we have a pretty good idea.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Here's the gist: Kansas City, being smack dab in the center of Tornado Alley, sees its fair share of these swirling vortexes. The folks at the National Weather Service tell us that on average, Kansas as a whole experiences around 96 tornadoes a year. That's a lot of potential housewarming gifts (assuming your house is still standing after the gift arrives).
Tip: The details are worth a second look.
But what about Kansas City specifically? Well, pinpointing the exact number for the city itself is tough. Tornadoes are fickle and don't always pay attention to city limits. That being said, Kansas City definitely gets its fair share of the twirling action.
Tip: Write down what you learned.
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Kansas City vs. The Big Bad Wolf (Spoiler Alert: Tornadoes Might Win)
Let's face it, Kansas City isn't exactly a stranger to these twisters. These things have been a fact of life here for, well, forever. In fact, Kansas holds the dubious honor of having the most F5 tornadoes (the strongest kind) of any state since 1950. Yeah, not exactly the bragging right you want on your state tourism brochure.
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However, there is a silver lining (or perhaps a silver lining-shaped storm shelter)! Thanks to advanced weather monitoring and a very active storm spotter network, folks in Kansas City are usually well-warned before a tornado decides to pay a visit.
Fun Facts That Won't Help You Survive a Tornado (But Will Make You Sound Smart at Parties)
- Did you know Kansas City is practically BFFs with hail? These two weather phenomena often go hand-in-hand, so if you see a tornado warning, duck and cover for the hail too!
- Here's a mind-bender: Tornadoes can travel in ALL directions. So, that whole "westerly winds" thing? Yeah, throw that out the window (unless you're in a tornado, then definitely throw things out the window... but not yourself).
FAQ: How to Not Become a Tornado Statistic (Because Seriously, Don't)
- How to Prepare for a Tornado: Get yourself a tornado warning system (your phone likely has one) and have a plan! Know where your nearest storm shelter is and practice taking cover drills with your family.
- How to Spot a Tornado: Look for a rotating funnel cloud descending from the base of a thunderstorm. If you see one, don't be a hero, take cover immediately!
- How to Take Cover During a Tornado: Find a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows. Get down low, cover your head with your arms, and wait for the all-clear.
- How to Tornado-Proof Your House (Spoiler Alert: You Can't): There's no way to completely tornado-proof your house, but you can take steps to minimize damage. Reinforce your roof and consider installing storm shutters for windows.
- How to Know When the Tornado Warning is Over: Don't peek out the window! Wait for the official all-clear from the National Weather Service.
Remember, knowledge is power, especially when it comes to tornadoes. Stay informed, stay prepared, and hopefully, you'll never have to put these tips to the test.
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