Is the number of annual tornadoes in South Dakota decreasing?

South Dakota’s average annual number of reported tornadoes has decreased in the past 35 years. 

The state ranks 20th in the country for tornadoes annually, according to data from 2002-2022.

It’s hit by an average of 28 per year, much lower than all the states in the top 10. Texas is first with 124, followed by Kansas (87). Iowa receives 53 per year and Minnesota 46.

Tornadoes have decreased in South Dakota compared to 1991-2010, when the state saw an average of 36 annually.

South Dakota has historically been included in “Tornado Alley,” a geographic area that extends from Texas into South Dakota and includes states most at risk for tornadoes. 

Scientific American reported that the parts of Tornado Alley have shifted east, especially in the central part of the country, where Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama are much more likely to receive outbreaks than they were 30 years ago.