Dossier
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center
Coverage of NOAA's Storm Prediction Center in the Nexus archive.
- Is Chicago Now Part Of Tornado Alley?
Illinois recorded 173 tornadoes in 2026, surpassing its previous state record and outpacing traditional Tornado Alley states like Kansas and Oklahoma. Meteorologists suggest a shift in tornado activity toward the Midwest, potentially linked to climate change, though improved tracking technology may also contribute to increased reports.