Dangers to Scientists Researching the
Tornadic Supercell from the Tornado Itself
- Exact tornado trajectory is unpredictable; strategies to collect data based upon average motions of previous tornadoes can put researchers at risk
- 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
- Tornadic winds often exist outward from the observable tornado funnel; researchers who place themselves near the condensation funnel put themselves at risk
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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.