Can Birds Warn of Imminent Missouri Tornado Danger? Some Say Yes

Thanks to improving weather technology, we now have more warning than ever when Missouri is about to get slammed by a tornado. You would be wise to also pay attention to nature as many believe that birds know before weather radars when tornado danger is imminent.

I've heard anecdotal stories from Joplin, Missouri about how some witnessed strange animal behavior before the tragic twister destroyed much of the town back in 2011. There is some science that shows it's very possible that bird activity could be your first warning that tornado danger is imminent.

How can birds know that a Missouri tornado is about to form?

I found two theories that are interesting about how birds might be your first indication that weather trouble is coming. Storm Geo said that birds can detect when there is a severe drop in barometric pressure. Low pressure is a key characteristic of severe weather development including tornadoes.

The Atlantic shared a story about how scientists noticed large flocks of songbirds that fled just prior to tornadic development that dropped 84 tornadoes across Missouri and Tennessee. Somehow songbirds appeared to be able to hear the tornado development before meteorologists saw it appear on radar.

Is it possible that watching bird activity closely especially if you know severe weather in Missouri is a possibility could alert you to imminent dangerous weather? It's clear that animals have weather senses that we don't. If you suddenly see a large migration away from your area when severe weather is expected or no birds visible where you normally see birds like a feeder, definitely be extra alert that tornadic storms could be headed your way.