Night tornadoes are twice as deadly—here’s why they’re growing more common

Now, with tornado season expanding and the storm-prone “Tornado Alley” migrating eastward into more densely populated regions, researchers say the danger of nocturnal tornadoes is rising. Understanding this shift is key to reducing future fatalities, improving emergency response, and adapting to a storm season that no longer follows predictable patterns. 

Why more tornadoes are striking at night

The growing threat of nocturnal tornadoes isn’t random. It’s the result of shifting storm seasons, regional vulnerabilities, and a changing climate, says Maria Molina, assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Science at the University of Maryland.

Tornado Alley’s movement to the Midwest and Southeast also increases the likelihood of nocturnal tornadoes. “There may be some statistical relationships thereof we’re seeing more nocturnal tornadoes, but it’s actually a function of the changing climate, and not necessarily daytime versus nighttime,” says Hill.

(Thunderstorms are moving East with climate change.)

The Southeast is already a hotspot for nighttime tornadoes. Between 1950 and 2019, more than 35 percent of tornadoes in states like Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, and Alabama happened at night. Tennessee topped the list: 46 percent of its tornadoes struck after sunset.