When most people think of tornado activity in the U.S., the Tornado Alley sweeping through the Great Plains comes to mind; you wouldn’t expect North Carolina Tornado Alley. However, there is a growing consensus that Tornado Alley is shifting to the East and South… which already have their own tornado alleys – and one of them is in North Carolina! Let’s take a closer look at the history of storms in the Tar Heel State and learn more about the deadly Tornado Alley in North Carolina.
Most people remember the mid-April 2011 tornado outbreak that killed 38 people; 24 of them in North Carolina.
Photo credit: Chris Clor / Getty Images
That horror story began on April 14 and just kept playing out until April 16. Six counties in the Tar Heel State were devastated. Among the places that received large hits were Raleigh and Durham, which were slammed with damage, destruction, and death.
Flickr/Alex Ford It was, by far, one of the worst outbreaks of tornados in North Carolina in recent history.
But it wasn’t the deadliest. In 1984, 42 people died in North Carolina during a tornado outbreak that brought golf-ball-sized hail, horrific storms, and deadly tornadoes to both of the Carolinas. (The death toll in South Carolina was 15.)
John M Lund Photography Inc / Getty Images
So how do the Carolinas get their OWN tornado alley (Carolina Alley)? The term itself (Tornado Alley) is used to designate a region affected by deadly tornadoes. The Tar Heel State consistently ranks high against other states in the U.S. for tornado activity.
Flickr/Donald Lee Pardue
The Carolina Alley is the fourth deadliest region in the U.S. for tornado activity. The newest “alley” ranks fourth behind Dixie Alley, Hoosier Alley, and Tornado Alley.
Google Maps [enhanced with graphics]
The new-ish Carolina Alley extends from northern Georgia, on a narrow path across South Carolina, and then follows along the path of the I-95 corridor into North Carolina.
Comstock / Getty Images
Do you live in the North Carolina Tornado Alley? The North Carolina Department of Safety has a fantastic tornado resource page on its website. You’ll learn everything from early warning signs to how to prepare, what to do during a tornado, and what actions you should take after a tornado has moved through your area.
Photo credit: Chris Clor / Getty Images
Flickr/Alex Ford
It was, by far, one of the worst outbreaks of tornados in North Carolina in recent history.
John M Lund Photography Inc / Getty Images
Flickr/Donald Lee Pardue
Google Maps [enhanced with graphics]
Comstock / Getty Images
Have you experienced any tornados in North Carolina? If you’d like to share some thoughts on your experience, our comments thread is always open to you.
The Tar Heel State is no stranger to the devastating effects of Mother Nature. In 1916, a deadly flood swept over parts of the state. To learn more and see rare photos from that catastrophic event, keep reading…
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Tornado Alley in North Carolina February 23, 2021 Beth C. What is spring weather in North Carolina like? As you learned in the article above, tornadoes in North Carolina are most likely to happen during the spring. However, spring weather in North Carolina can also bring bright, sunny days with low humidity and mild temperatures. In May, North Carolina experiences a significant increase in average temperature, which ushers in the warmer and balmier summer weather. Of course, the average temperature during the spring largely depends on the region. In the mountains, for example, the temperatures are generally cooler at night, and on the coast, temperatures are somewhat warmer. Overall, spring is a beautiful time to enjoy all that North Carolina has to offer. For instance, check out this list of perfect springtime hikes in North Carolina. Does North Carolina get bad hurricanes? Due to its location on the eastern seaboard, the Tar Heel State is prone to hurricanes each year. You might be wondering, how bad are hurricanes in North Carolina? Unfortunately, North Carolina is the third-most hurricane-prone state in the U.S. It’s also the most hurricane-prone state that doesn’t border the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1851, North Carolina has experienced upwards of 55 hurricanes, 7 of which ranked between categories 3 and 5. The most destructive hurricanes in North Carolina typically have landed in the months of September and October and most harshly affect the coast and Outer Banks. What is the coldest month in North Carolina? As is the case with many other states in the region, January brings the coldest weather to North Carolina. In the western mountain region, the average low temperature during January is 20 degrees F. In most areas of the Tar Heel State, January is also the snowiest month. However, it’s also true that the month of March sees more snowfall than December. Can you guess what the snowiest town in North Carolina is? We’ll give you a hint: it’s located on top of a mountain! If you guessed Beech Mountain, then you are correct. The highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi, Beech Mountain has an elevation of 5,506 feet above sea level and receives around 80 inches of snow each year. Learn more about what life is like inside North Carolina’s snowiest town.
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Tornado Alley in North Carolina
February 23, 2021
Beth C.
What is spring weather in North Carolina like? As you learned in the article above, tornadoes in North Carolina are most likely to happen during the spring. However, spring weather in North Carolina can also bring bright, sunny days with low humidity and mild temperatures. In May, North Carolina experiences a significant increase in average temperature, which ushers in the warmer and balmier summer weather. Of course, the average temperature during the spring largely depends on the region. In the mountains, for example, the temperatures are generally cooler at night, and on the coast, temperatures are somewhat warmer. Overall, spring is a beautiful time to enjoy all that North Carolina has to offer. For instance, check out this list of perfect springtime hikes in North Carolina. Does North Carolina get bad hurricanes? Due to its location on the eastern seaboard, the Tar Heel State is prone to hurricanes each year. You might be wondering, how bad are hurricanes in North Carolina? Unfortunately, North Carolina is the third-most hurricane-prone state in the U.S. It’s also the most hurricane-prone state that doesn’t border the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1851, North Carolina has experienced upwards of 55 hurricanes, 7 of which ranked between categories 3 and 5. The most destructive hurricanes in North Carolina typically have landed in the months of September and October and most harshly affect the coast and Outer Banks. What is the coldest month in North Carolina? As is the case with many other states in the region, January brings the coldest weather to North Carolina. In the western mountain region, the average low temperature during January is 20 degrees F. In most areas of the Tar Heel State, January is also the snowiest month. However, it’s also true that the month of March sees more snowfall than December. Can you guess what the snowiest town in North Carolina is? We’ll give you a hint: it’s located on top of a mountain! If you guessed Beech Mountain, then you are correct. The highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi, Beech Mountain has an elevation of 5,506 feet above sea level and receives around 80 inches of snow each year. Learn more about what life is like inside North Carolina’s snowiest town.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you learned in the article above, tornadoes in North Carolina are most likely to happen during the spring. However, spring weather in North Carolina can also bring bright, sunny days with low humidity and mild temperatures. In May, North Carolina experiences a significant increase in average temperature, which ushers in the warmer and balmier summer weather. Of course, the average temperature during the spring largely depends on the region. In the mountains, for example, the temperatures are generally cooler at night, and on the coast, temperatures are somewhat warmer. Overall, spring is a beautiful time to enjoy all that North Carolina has to offer. For instance, check out this list of perfect springtime hikes in North Carolina.
Does North Carolina get bad hurricanes?
Due to its location on the eastern seaboard, the Tar Heel State is prone to hurricanes each year. You might be wondering, how bad are hurricanes in North Carolina? Unfortunately, North Carolina is the third-most hurricane-prone state in the U.S. It’s also the most hurricane-prone state that doesn’t border the Gulf of Mexico. Since 1851, North Carolina has experienced upwards of 55 hurricanes, 7 of which ranked between categories 3 and 5. The most destructive hurricanes in North Carolina typically have landed in the months of September and October and most harshly affect the coast and Outer Banks.
What is the coldest month in North Carolina?
As is the case with many other states in the region, January brings the coldest weather to North Carolina. In the western mountain region, the average low temperature during January is 20 degrees F. In most areas of the Tar Heel State, January is also the snowiest month. However, it’s also true that the month of March sees more snowfall than December. Can you guess what the snowiest town in North Carolina is? We’ll give you a hint: it’s located on top of a mountain! If you guessed Beech Mountain, then you are correct. The highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi, Beech Mountain has an elevation of 5,506 feet above sea level and receives around 80 inches of snow each year. Learn more about what life is like inside North Carolina’s snowiest town.
