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Official tornado records only date back to 1950, which indicate about 1,200 tornadoes hit the US every year. By comparison, New Zealand experiences only about 20 tornadoes per year. Tornadoes have been reported in all 50 states. Why does the US get the most tornadoes? Scientists say it largely has to do with geography. Tornadoes form when cold, dry air clashes with warm humid air. Many of the 48 continental states (which does not include Hawaii and Alaska) are situated

This weather radar image shows severe weather that affected Illinois and Indiana. The line of storms, pictured in red, shows the traditional bow echo pattern.

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Facing the Weather: Tornadoes