Monday, March 20th, 2006 — According to a newspaper analysis, the cost of tornado damage in Oklahoma since 1996 has been higher than any other state. Using federal data, The Oklahoman found that from 1996 through February 2005, the state — located in the heart of what is commonly known as Tornado Alley — has suffered more than $1.6 billion in damages from tornadoes. That’s about $1 billion more than the state in second place on that list, Arkansas. The research also indicates that about 900 people have been injured by tornados during that time span.