How are tornadoes detected?
Today, the development of Doppler radar has made it possible, under certain circumstances, to detect a tornado’s winds with a radar. However, human beings remain an important part of the system to detect tornadoes, because not all tornadoes occur in situations where the radar can “see” them. Ordinary citizen volunteers make up what is called the SKYWARN network of storm spotters, who work with their local communities to watch for approaching tornadoes, so those communities can take appropriate action in the event of a tornado. Spotter information is relayed to the National Weather Service, which operates the national Doppler radar network and which issues warnings to the public by radio, TV, and NOAA Weather Radio, using information obtained from weather maps, weather radars, and local storm spotters.
In addition to the thousands of National Weather Service trained severe weather spotters, NEXRAD Doppler radars detect severe weather. These radars spot large scale rotation from which many tornadoes form. NEXRAD does not detect every tornado, but it is likely that they will provide advance warning for large twisters.Tornado Safety RulesWe can do little to prevent a tornado from occurring, but by knowing the safety rules we can minimize the number of deaths and injuries.A tornado watch means that tornado development is possible. Keep a watchful eye on the sky for threatening weather and stay tuned to radio and television and listen for weather bulletins.A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar. Persons in the path of the storm should seek shelter immediately – preferably in a storm cellar, underground excavation, or in a steel-framed or concrete reinforced building.A severe thunderstorm warning means that either spotters or radar have indicated that
