Discover the Illinois Town Most Likely to Be Hit By a Tornado

Illinois is prone to tornadoes because it is located in an area where the warm, moist air from the Gulf meets the cold, dry air from Canada. This causes unstable atmospheric conditions, which leads to lots of tornados. The state has about 54 tornados per year.

Peak tornado frequency is between April and June.

Illinois has experienced several tornado outbreaks throughout the years, including a devasting one in December 2021.

With all that said, Belleville, Illinois, has the highest tornado index at 323.89. For more information on what this means, keep reading.

Belleville’s Tornado Index

A tornado index is a measure of a community’s relative risk for tornados when compared to the rest of the United States. It’s based on several factors, including frequency, intensity, and the historical loss ratio of the area.

The higher a town’s tornado index, the more likely the town is to have a tornado.

Belleville’s high tornado index is based on several factors, and it is much higher than the national average of 100. The Illinois average is 136.77, which is much lower than Belleville’s 323.89. This means this city is much more likely to experience a tornado than anywhere else.

One possible reason for the town’s high tornado index is due to its location. It is prone to unstable atmospheric conditions that promote favorable conditions for a tornado.

This town has had several tornados in its history, including an EF-1 tornado that struck the city in April 2023. Several other strong tornados have occurred in this town, as well.

Belleville has a population of 43,296, making it a pretty sizable town. Many people are affected by tornados when they hit this area.

How Do Tornados Affect Wildlife in Belleville?

Tornados can affect wildlife in many different ways. One of the most obvious is physical injury or death caused by the tornado. High winds and flying debris can seriously injure many animals, though this likely isn’t a major population factor.

Tornados can disrupt and destroy natural habitats, affecting the wildlife population. For instance, tornados can uproot and destroy trees, impacting the animal using those trees for shelter and food. Nesting and food sources can be destroyed by tornados. Even if animals aren’t killed directly by the tornado, the lasting impacts can lead to the animal’s later death.

Because they force large movements of the local animal population, tornados can spread diseases or exposure to other substances that may harm certain animals. For instance, animals may congregate in a smaller area, causing diseases to spread easier.

The damage to human-made structures can lead to chemical spills, which may harm local wildlife.

Tornados may cause the dispersal of certain animals from the area. Tornados and powerful storms can force birds out of their normal range. Other animals may be forced to leave because of damaged food sources or nesting grounds.

Wildlife in Illinois

Illinois is a state full of diverse wildlife. You’ll find tons of birds, mammals, and reptiles in the area. Some of the most common animals are the white-tailed deer, northern cardinal, monarch butterfly, and bluegill. There are also many species that are rarer but common enough to be seen in the state parks. These include bison, coyotes, raccoons, hognose snakes, and many species of toads. Illinois also has some rare and endangered animals, such as the black bear, the gray wolf, the mountain lion, and the bald eagle. As you’d imagine, tornadoes do affect these animals. However, they likely play a very small role in the state’s wildlife population.

Where is Belleville, Illinois Located on a Map?

Belleville, situated in St. Clair County, Illinois, serves as both a city and the county seat. It is positioned within the Greater St. Louis area. With a population of 42,404 according to the 2020 census, Belleville stands as the most populous city in Southern Illinois and the Metro East region of Greater St. Louis.

Here is Belleville, Illinois on a map:

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Wesley Aston/Shutterstock.com