Tornado Imagery Could Improve Storm Warnings

A storm's radar signature could help scientists better predict twisters
Tornado Radar Imagery : Photo by University of Alabama, Huntsville

In the aftermath of the Feb. 6 tornado, scientists at The University of Alabama, Huntsville have been analyzing radar images of the event, searching for signs that might help them issue faster warnings in the future. The radar signature from debris sucked up into the air is so distinctive that the group thinks it may be able to develop an automated detection system. Essentially, they’d program computers to automatically pick out these signs in the data, and raise a flag immediately. The system would probably only apply to large tornadoes, or mesocyclones, so it wouldn’t necessarily deliver the first warning to people on the ground. But it would give scientists better information on the location of the twister, and add more precision to the warnings.

Via Newswise

1 Comment

Comments

whzych
Article Rating:
1
2
3
4
5

Ok we all want to warn people! But if you have debri then its a little to late for those in that home or the very next one dont you think?
Now a lot of tornado alley is acrossed the great plains, and the same tornados there can travel a lot of distance before they suck up anything as debri again not issuing any warnings.
This would be a good method to identiy a tornado but its warning effect is almost useless.

0 out of 0 people found this comment helpful

Popular Tags

Regular Features

PPX: The PopSci Predictions Exchange

RSS Link

SciTech

Ready to bet on the future? Start here!

Subscribe for 2 free issues!

may2008_cover.jpg