Dangers to Scientists Researching the
Tornadic Supercell from the Tornado Itself

1. Exact tornado trajectory is unpredictable; strategies to collect data based upon average motions of previous tornadoes can put researchers at risk
2. Tornado diameter can change quickly, with 50 to 150% increase in diameter possible; strategies to collect data by being continually close to a tornado can put researchers at risk if such diameter changes occur
3. Tornadic winds often exist outward from the observable tornado funnel; researchers who place themselves near the condensation funnel put themselves at risk
4. Large tornadoes are often associated with multiple satellite tornadoes that move counterclockwise around the parent vortex; researchers who approach large tornadoes risk an encounter with these satellite vortices
5. Tornadoes associated with the class of thunderstorms called "High Precipitation Supercells" are often difficult to see because they are surrounded by heavy precipitation; researches who attempt to approach the area in which a suspected tornado might occur with such storms often must pass through low visibility associated with heavy rain and hail, only to encounter the tornado suddenly
6. Manuevering around or away from tornadoes may be thwarted by the population evacuating an area; researchers may be stranded on a road over which a tornado will then pass
7. Researchers pursuing tornado information on their own MUST be aware of all external factors that might impact their decision making---these external factors are summarized in a separate handout --but also include risks associated with meteorological factors such as giant hail, strong straight-line winds, and flash flooding.