Storms and insurance premiums on the rise in Dixie Alley

Cave City following tornado on March 14.

A continuing shift in severe weather from the plains and the traditional ‘Tornado Alley’ to ‘Dixie Alley’ is seeing local auto and home owners facing increasing premiums as insurance providers adjust to the increase in claims.

Dixie Alley is becoming the new tornado prone region in the south and encompasses Mississippi, Alabama, Western Tennessee and Arkansas. Through April of 2025 National Weather Service storm surveyors had confirmed 35 tornadoes in the state. March was a very active month with nearly four times as many tornado warnings in the Natural State than in Texas. Storms have been larger this season a confirmed EF-4 twister in Izard County on March 14.

Tornadoes aren’t the only threats seeing an increase. Straight line winds have caused power outages and damage to property and many locals have been faced with the destructive force of large in hail in multiple severe storms this spring.

Large hail from March 14 storms

Joanna Baxter, Owner of Baxter Insurance in Mountain Home, says all these factors along with continued economic pressure are causing an increase in insurance rates.

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Baxter says she has seen many rates increase by 25 percent in recent years and she doesn’t see it slowing in the near future.

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A more proactive approach is required for today’s homeowner to best absorb these changes.

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The changing weather trends over the Twin Lakes and the state shows no signs of slowing as warm, humid air continues to increase year over year from the Gulf but home and auto owners can start to take the necessary steps now to best prepare for future meteorological and financial storms on the horizon.

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