Rising Tornado Threat Moves Southeast as Storm Shelter Demand Grows

The Shift in Tornado Activity

Recent research highlights a troubling trend in the United States, indicating a notable shift in tornado activity from traditional areas like the Great Plains to the Southeast. This change places a greater number of populous regions in the path of increasingly frequent tornadic events.

A study published on the American Meteorological Society’s website reveals that tornadic activity in the Great Plains has decreased by 25 percent over the past 35 years. In contrast, the Southeast has witnessed a 12 percent rise in tornado occurrences during the same period.

States such as Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky have seen a surge in tornado incidents, raising concerns among residents and prompting discussions about safety measures.

Increased Demand for Storm Shelters

The uptick in tornado activity has led to an unprecedented demand for storm shelters in the Southeast. Mark Brasfield, a seasoned owner of Nashville Safe House, reports a significant increase in sales of storm shelters, citing that his phone rings at least 20 times each day with inquiries from potential buyers.

Brasfield emphasizes the value of storm shelters, comparing them to insurance. He states that while most people do not anticipate needing them, having one can provide critical peace of mind. His products meet federal safety standards established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, ensuring their reliability in emergencies.

The construction of Brasfield’s shelters includes a quarter-inch of steel, reinforced walls, and robust six-inch bolts, designed to endure winds up to 200 mph typical of EF-5 tornadoes. As residents become more aware of the threat, the need for such safety measures grows stronger.

New Residents, New Fears

Many newcomers to the Southeast are facing an unsettling reality. Lawrence Behrs, who relocated from California to Tennessee a decade ago, reflects on his experience of trading earthquakes and wildfires for tornadoes. He shares that the couple undertook significant research to find a safe location but concluded that absolute safety is a myth.

Behrs recently invested in a family-sized storm shelter from Brasfield. The installation came just before the tornado season began, which he described as already having active weather patterns.

With the shifting trajectory of tornadoes moving toward the eastern United States, Behrs acknowledges this purchase as a vital investment for reassurance. His often-heard weather radio alerts signal tornado warnings, prompting the couple to grab their emergency