[MovingCrossCountry]

My husband and I are thinking of relocating to cheaper state. I am looking at Oklahoma but am terrified of the twisters. Are they really as bad/common as they seem?

[TulsaArtist]

Define bad/common? Your more likely to get struck by lightning. Last year in the US 329 people were struck by lightning, 27 were killed. I believe last year was a very bad year and close to or did, break a record in the number of people killed by tornados...125 in the US. 2008 Tornado Fatality Information

2007 the total was 81,,, 1 death in Oklahoma 2007 Tornado Fatality Information
2006 the total was 67,,, none in Oklahoma 2006 Tornado Fatality Information

Actually states like Texas, Alabama, Ohio, Florida, Arkansas, Tennessee have had more deaths but for some reason it seems that people dont go, omg I am worried about tornados in Texas or Florida as much as they do Oklahoma. Not to mention your far more likely to get killed in a traffic accident... So dont worry bout it, enjoy the weather and hey,,, its fun to chase twisters. But drive carefully when doing so. :-P

[711mum]

We moved to Oklahoma 17 years ago; lived in Tulsa 2 years and the last 15 in Norman. I wouldn't say 'twisters' are common but you should be aware, and prepared, for one. Two F2's came close to us in Tulsa and the May 3, F5 tornado was about 5 miles north of us. We have never had any tornado damage but have had to replace our roof once due to a major hail storm. If you are in the path of any tornado it's not good no matter how small. The television coverage during storm season is plentiful - the thing about tornadoes is that you usually have ample time to leave if necessary. I would be more concerned about living in California with the earthquakes or Florida where I endured more than 5 storms in 10 years. It's something to be aware of but I would not decide not to move here just due to the tornadoes. Good luck.

[LadyRobyn]

We moved here from CA and I have learned alot about tornadoes since we arrived.... You would be hard pressed to find a state that doesn't have tornadoes. The first one I ever witnessed was in CA.

Here is a map of tornado alley:



It is from this site: Tornado Alley :Tornado and Storm chaser Facts, Pictures and Weather Information

If you are that worried you really should go to that site!! There is a search box on their page, you can type in the name of ANY state you are considering and it will give you plenty of info.

One thing to consider... IF a tornado comes, you have warning and you can go somewhere to avoid it.

How much warning do you get for an earthquake?? And where do you go to avoid it??

[karibear]

I'd be more worried about earthquakes, hurricanes, tidal waves, and volcanoes myself. Since I didn't waste any time worrying about them when I was living where they were a daily possibility, I don't worry about tornadoes either. I do have to say I never liked feeling the earth shaking underfoot, but the tsunami warnings always seemed to turn into giant tailgate parties. The main thing is to be prepared for an emergency no matter where you are, having food that doesn't need to be cooked, having plenty of flashlights with fresh batteries, having plenty of drinking water. But that kind of thing is just common sense wherever you live, not just in Oklahoma. If the possibility of a tornado really bothers you, lots of people have their own storm cellars, too.

[okcpulse]

When I experience Hurricane Ike in 2008, I'd be MUCH less worried about tornadoes. I think the national media has blown tornadoes WAY out of proportion.

[mkfarnam]

I think hail storms are more of a worry in Oklahoma than Tornadoes.

[Jammie]

They're really nothing to fear, just respect them and their power. Be prepared and have a plan just like you would for something like a hurricane or earthquake. Know ahead of time where you will go for shelter. They predict the watches plenty far in advance which gives you an opportunity to check the radio or tv to see what's going on. If you feel unsafe, maybe a weather radio would give you some comfort.

It's all relative. Florida is the number one lightning capital of the world. I live in South Dakota and I was struck by lightning. Go figure.

[mkfarnam]

Originally Posted by Jammie

They're really nothing to fear, just respect them and their power. Be prepared and have a plan just like you would for something like a hurricane or earthquake. Know ahead of time where you will go for shelter. They predict the watches plenty far in advance which gives you an opportunity to check the radio or tv to see what's going on. If you feel unsafe, maybe a weather radio would give you some comfort.

It's all relative. Florida is the number one lightning capital of the world. I live in South Dakota and I was struck by lightning. Go figure.

So that explains why your so short???

[colleeng47]

There are so many warning devices in place in OK, that it's almost impossible to be caught unaware of an impending tornado. That could be one of the reasons OK's death rate for tornadoes is lower than other states.

I moved here from NJ a little over a year ago, and believe me, don't concern yourself with tornadoes. Just be on alert during the tornado season (March to June, approx.)