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Tornadoes from 2010-2019 increased almost 36% in Tennessee, Georgia compared to prior decade, study shows

AP Photo/Mark Humphrey / Debris is scattered from damaged homes Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The intersection in the foreground is the meeting of Holly Hills Lane, coming from the right foreground, and Holly Crest Drive. The road looping in the background is Angie Dr. The pool is the Holly Hills Community pool. Tornadoes went through the area Sunday, April 12. AP Photo/Mark Humphrey / Debris is scattered from damaged homes Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in Chattanooga, Tenn. The intersection in the foreground is the meeting of Holly Hills Lane, coming from the right foreground, and Holly Crest Drive. The road looping in the background is Angie Dr. The pool is the Holly Hills Community pool. Tornadoes went through the area Sunday, April 12.

By Ben Benton June 19, 2021 6 min read

A new study of federal weather data shows tornado activity in Tennessee and Georgia has increased by almost 36% in the past decade compared to activity from 2000-2009.

When comparing data from 2010-2019 to data from 2000-2009, Tennessee had 84 more tornadoes – an increase of 35.7% – and Georgia had 113 more tornadoes – an increase of 35.8%, according to a study from the insurance comparison marketplace firm QuoteWizard. Researchers analyzed National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data.

“We looked at the number of tornadoes in both Georgia and Tennessee over a 20-year period,” company spokesperson Nathan Barber said, relating the national study to the Chattanooga region.

The report shows Georgia tied with New York for the 10th highest increase in tornadoes in the U.S. over the period, while Tennessee followed in the 12th spot.

A southerly shift in tornado activity is clearly shown in the weather data, said Nick VinZant, a senior research analyst with the firm.