Can tornadoes be predicted?
NOAA issues tornado watches when conditions are right for a torando to occur. Tornado warnings are issued when doppler shows convection patterns associated with funnel formation in a severe thunderstorm. Early and accurate warning is essential to those who live in the path of the storm. Tornadoes are most likely to occur during the spring.
April 5, 2005
|
|
Observe the weather pattern for April 5. Why would NOAA post high wind advisories for the central plains states? No tornado warnings were issued for that day.
April 6, 2005
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
What changed in the 24 hour period between April 5 and April 6? What factors would you need to consider in predicting the chance of tornado developing?
Images used with permission of weatherunderground.com.