What are the population and stakes in Tornado City? The area around Oklahoma City is the heart of "tornado alley" and as a result, it's a city known for tornadoes. The number of tornadoes recorded in the area is sometimes quoted in news articles, although the actual total is usually in the low to mid-thirties. The National Weather Service's forecast office maintains a local listing. As of 1978, there had been 43 tornadoes recorded in the area.
The population of this third largest North Carolina city was impacted by the storm. The tornado ripped off roofs and lifted others off of concrete foundations. Many of the city's landmarks were destroyed in the tornado, including the clock tower at the Graves County Courthouse and the roof of the Mayfield First United Methodist Church, which exposed its organ to heaven. Numerous small stores were destroyed, including a drive-through Lucky Liquor Wine Package.
Although most tornadoes strike unpopulated or lightly populated areas, urban areas are more vulnerable to them. A 1999 tornado in Salt Lake City killed one person, while a 2000 tornado hit downtown Fort Worth. In 2008, a strong tornado struck downtown Atlanta and killed one person. In both of these cases, tornado debris spreads to densely populated urban areas and causes more harm than good. For now, this means that urban areas may be more prone to tornadoes than ever before.