Articles tagged with Tornadoes
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During the April 2011 tornado disaster, neurosurgeons at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Medical Center treated patients with spinal cord injuries, most of which were limited to the thoracic and lumbar regions. The authors highlight the importance of disaster preparedness in treating such injuries.
Residents of a town struck by a tornado reported being less vulnerable to injury from future tornadoes, but their numerical estimates were pessimistic. Living in neighborhoods affected by the storm initially increased optimism, which decreased over time.
The GOES-R satellite will detect lightning inside storm clouds, enabling more accurate tornado detection and severe weather warnings. The new technology aboard GOES-R is expected to improve lead time for warnings by providing earlier detection for storms, regardless of the season or time of day.
A powerful cold front is sweeping across the eastern United States, replacing spring-like temperatures with winter-time weather and producing powerful storms. The NOAA GOES-13 satellite captured a stunning image of the storm system on January 30, showing a line of clouds stretching from Canada to the US Gulf Coast.
A fast-growing flesh-eating fungus, Apophysomyces, killed five people after a massive tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri. The fungus, usually harmless, can cause severe infections if not treated immediately, leading to rapid tissue destruction and organ failure.
Mathematicians at the University of Sheffield have discovered space tornadoes in the Sun's atmosphere, which can channel energy from below the surface to heat the magnetised solar plasma. The process has the potential to develop technology for producing free, clean, and green energy on Earth.
TRMM satellite data shows Debby's heaviest rains were falling at a rate of over 2 inches per hour, with numerous reports of 6-10 inches of rain already reported. The storm is expected to bring very heavy rains to northern and central Florida.
NASA captures satellite images of Tropical Storm Debby covering the entire state of Florida with a large white blanket of clouds. The storm is expected to continue crawling to the northeast, bringing heavy rainfall and tropical-storm-force winds to the region.
A severe weather outbreak on June 1, 2012, generated 9 weak tornadoes across Maryland. NASA's Aqua satellite and NOAA's GOES-13 satellite provided critical information about the storm's movement and intensity, including cloud temperatures and heights.
A community health center in Joplin, MO, survived a tornado by having comprehensive disaster planning and robust electronic medical record systems. The study highlights the importance of data security and preparedness for interruptions to care and information access during disasters.
A NASA animation of GOES-13 satellite data reveals the development and movement of a massive tornado outbreak in the Great Plains on April 14-15, 2012. The animation helped meteorologists issue timely warnings that saved lives during the devastating event.
Researchers used a 3D foam replica and wind simulation to study tornado winds far beyond the storm's path. They found that complex terrain disrupts the tornado's structure, causing winds to extend into nearby valleys.
A powerful weather system moved through eastern Texas, dropping at least 15 tornadoes in the Dallas suburbs. The NOAA's GOES-13 satellite captured the movement of the storm system, showing the progression of the frontal system that generated the twisters.
Researchers at Indiana University detected unusual seismic signals associated with tornadoes that struck the Midwest last week. The experiment suggests a large atmospheric pressure transient related to thunderstorms may precede tornadoes.
A powerful weather system is moving through the central and eastern U.S., generating more severe weather and at least 12 tornadoes reported in three states. NASA's GOES-13 satellite captured the movement of the weather system, which pushed east as it generated severe weather in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia.
A NASA satellite animation has revealed the movement of a tornadic weather system that triggered at least 20 tornadoes on February 29, 2012. The animation, created using GOES-13 visible and infrared satellite imagery, shows the progression of the cold front and associated low pressure area as it moved over the central US.
Scientists have developed a framework for predicting tornado activity up to a month out, giving communities a chance to plan and potentially aid in the understanding of whether tornadoes are growing more frequent due to climate warming.
A study proposes a common root for record-breaking rainfall and historic tornado outbreaks in the US. Researchers link these events to a rare coupling between polar and subtropical jet streams originating in the western Pacific. This phenomenon, known as a 'superjet,' can carry twice as much energy as typical jet streams.
TRMM data revealed a narrow line of moderate to very heavy rainfall associated with the cold front, accompanied by tornadoes and strong winds. The analysis showed the area of heavy rain was confined to a specific region, highlighting the severity of the storm.
Researchers urge more stringent building standards to reduce property damage and loss of life in tornado and hurricane-prone areas. The new report highlights the need for tailored construction practices that consider local risks and specific storm events.
NASA's Landsat 5 satellite captured an image of the long damage track created by a Massachusetts tornado on June 1, 2011. The satellite also provided an earlier image from 2010 for comparison, enabling clearer visualization of the tornado's eastward track.
A NASA infrared satellite captured a powerful storm system over northwestern Georgia, revealing very strong thunderstorms with icy cold cloud tops. The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument measured cloud top temperatures as cold as -63 Fahrenheit/-52 Celsius, indicating the potential for intense rainfall and damage.
The TRMM satellite detected a large area of heavy rainfall in the supercell thunderstorm that spawned the Joplin tornado. Rainfall rates exceeded 2 inches per hour, indicating a strong storm system.
Researchers link inadequate connections between building members to excessive damage from tornadoes. While modern codes are generally adequate, their enforcement is often lax. The study's findings underscore the need for better building practices and code compliance to reduce storm damage.
The TRMM satellite detected massive thunderstorms and very heavy rainfall along a powerful cold front moving through the eastern United States on April 28, 2011. Tornadoes spawned by these storms caused significant loss of life, with at least 128 deaths in Alabama and 15 in Georgia.
OU School of Meteorology faculty are leading predictability research initiatives, exploring various weather phenomena and their impacts. The team aims to improve forecasting for severe weather events like landslides, tornadoes, and thunderstorms by advancing tools like the SEGMENT modeling system.
The GOES-13 satellite captured images of a powerful weather system that triggered severe weather in the southern US, resulting in 243 tornadoes across 13 states. The National Weather Service confirmed EF3 and EF2 tornadoes with wind speeds up to 160mph, causing widespread damage and power outages.
The University of Oklahoma has acquired a new mobile radar to better understand tornadoes and their formation. The radar's dual-polarization capabilities will enable researchers to distinguish between raindrops and hail, and determine the size and shape of storm elements.
Satellites like GOES-13 and NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of a huge cold front stretching from Minnesota to Louisiana, generating tornadoes and heavy rainfall. The storm system is expected to bring up to 1 quarter inch more rain to the eastern US, with potential flooding in various areas.
A recent study by Michigan State University found that only 63 percent of people understand the severity of tornado warnings. The research suggests that prior experience with severe weather plays a significant role in how people react to warnings.
A growing number of people are traveling to Tornado Alley for an experience beyond thrills, seeking unique encounters with nature's power and beauty. Most tourists, mostly middle-aged and educated, spend $3,000-$5,000 on a one-to-two week tour with experienced storm chasers.
The Resilient Home Program aims to reduce tornado-related fatalities by promoting safe room designs and construction. The program uses research and outreach efforts to communicate the importance of storm shelters, with a focus on increasing adoption in the Southeast region.
The OU-PRIME research weather radar captured fine details of the storms never seen before with any radar. Researchers believe this unique data set will reveal new discoveries about tornado genesis and severe storms for years to come.
The VORTEX2 project, the most ambitious tornado study in history, aims to surround tornadoes with an unprecedented fleet of mobile radars and cutting-edge tools. The study seeks to improve tornado warnings and short-term severe weather forecasts by examining how tornadoes form and the patterns of damage they cause.
CU-Boulder's disdrometer team will use three vehicles to measure precipitation particles in severe storms, while a UAS project aims to collect meteorological data safely navigating below clouds. The efforts aim to improve tornado forecasting and reduce fatalities.
Research at Georgia Institute of Technology reveals a 35% increase in large hurricane size from the Gulf Coast, leading to a doubling in tornadoes produced per storm. The model can predict tornado activity using factors like storm size, intensity, track direction, and moisture gradients.
A new study by researchers at the University of Georgia suggests that drought conditions in an area's fall and winter may lead to a statistically significant reduction in tornado activity during the following spring. In contrast, wet autumns and winters were found to have nearly twice as many spring tornado days as drought years did.
The VORTEX2 project, a collaborative international study, aims to gain a better understanding of tornado formation and damage patterns. By deploying advanced weather-sensing tools, researchers hope to identify the characteristics of severe thunderstorms that produce tornadoes, ultimately leading to more accurate tornado warnings.
The Verification of Rotation in Tornadoes EXperiment 2 (VORTEX2 or V2) will study the origins, structure, and evolution of tornadoes from May 10 to June 13. Data collected will help researchers understand how tornadoes form and improve forecasts.
Researchers found that intermittent rain in days before the tornado moistened some areas enough to create favorable conditions for severe storms. Urban landscape gave storms extra energy needed to spin up a tornado. Heat island effect amplified storm intensity.
A new study by NIU researchers highlights the danger of nighttime tornadoes, which are 2.5 times more likely to kill than daytime events. The study suggests that current warning systems may not be adequate for overnight events, particularly in mobile homes where nearly 61% of fatalities occur at night.
A new analysis highlights the need for federal and state support to enable local governments to work effectively with communities to prepare for and respond to all disasters. Local organizations often lack resources and training, making it essential for local government officials to take a proactive role in disaster preparedness.
A study found that hazard mitigation grants can save up to $14 billion over 10 years by reducing property damage and loss of life. The grants also help reduce tax revenue losses due to economic disruption caused by natural hazards.
The Linked Environments Atmospheric Discovery project aims to create a high-speed computing infrastructure for timely and accurate weather forecasts. The system will pool data from various sources, including ground sensors, satellites, and radars, to launch hundreds of simulations at the same time, resulting in more accurate predictions.
Researchers found a significant increase in tornado warnings after WSR-88D radar installation, with almost doubled warnings and increased lead time. The study also revealed expected fatalities and injuries were 45% lower for tornadoes occurring after radar installation.
The Rapid-Scan DOW radar promises a complete picture of tornado evolution by detailing critical steps in tornado behavior, thanks to its 5- to 10-second resolution and close range. The radar's analysis will help produce better warnings and provide insights into the distribution of features across many types of tornadoes.
A Purdue University study found that many tornadoes form from 'line-shaped' storms associated with large weather fronts, particularly in the Midwest. These tornadoes are more likely to occur late at night and in colder months, challenging traditional notions of severe weather patterns.
A US National Science Foundation study has improved forecasts for Midwest thunderstorms, bow echoes, and tornadoes. The Bow Echo and MCV Experiment found that smaller bow echoes are often the highest risk for tornadoes, contradicting the long-held assumption that size equals strength.
Researchers have developed a new system to improve heart defibrillation by targeting rogue electrical waves in arrhythmia. The device produces milder shocks, reducing the amount of energy required, which could lead to smaller, longer-lasting devices that spare patients from frequent replacements.
A field study by NCAR and NOAA has provided new insights into bow echoes, revealing that smaller storms can be more destructive than larger ones. The BAMEX experiment used aircraft, ground-based storm chasers, and advanced radar technology to collect detailed data on thunderstorms in the Midwest.
A team at Washington University in St. Louis has created a three-minute video capturing the unique interaction between water and three different oils when mixed using a magnetic stir bar. The resulting vortices, or funnels, display distinct characteristics due to their varying viscosities, showcasing the fluid dynamics phenomenon.
A Purdue University earth scientist has discovered that damaging winds within thunderstorms can form on the north side of a storm's path, rather than at its apex. This finding could lead to more accurate storm warnings and improved public safety.
The Penn State Earth 101 course uses B-movie clips to engage students in learning about natural disasters, promoting critical thinking and science-based decision-making. Students work on projects such as public affairs manuals for cities with earthquake histories, debating topics like government response to natural disasters.
Scientists are exploring the potential of infrasound pulses to detect natural disasters such as tornadoes and volcanic eruptions. Infrasound pulses can also be used to monitor and forecast volcanic eruptions, potentially providing valuable warnings for communities at risk.
A partnership between Navy and National Severe Storms Laboratory aims to improve weather forecasting by integrating SPY-1 radar with existing Doppler technology. The new phased array radar can provide faster updates of weather features, allowing for more detailed scans and increased lead time before tornadoes strike.
Tornado researcher Andrew Pazmany heads to the Great Plains to track supercells and determine conditions that enable F4/F5 tornadoes. He will use a modified marine radar to analyze storm structures and distances.
Researchers from the University of Massachusetts have produced the highest-resolution data ever available on a tornado during the May 3 storm in Oklahoma. By analyzing radar signals, they aim to determine what meteorological conditions enable supercells to form and drop dangerous tornadoes.
Researchers John Abrahamson and Peter Coleman successfully created stable fireballs in a mini tornado using liquefied petroleum gas, challenging existing theories about ball lightning. The experiment may have industrial applications and shed new light on unexplained UFO sightings.
Researchers at Georgia Tech are testing the Next Generation Warning Decision Support System (NG-WDSS) to improve tornado forecasting and warning times. The system uses advanced image processing, artificial intelligence, and other algorithms to provide more efficient and effective warnings for severe thunderstorms and flash floods.
A space-based network of sensors is showing value in spotting and tracking storms that are likely to spawn tornadoes. Storms that sent tornadoes through Georgia and Florida were observed from orbit by special sensors a few hours before and after they struck, providing critical data for improving tornado warnings.