Relationship between preliminary and final tornado reports

[Greg Stumpf]

This blog post from Dr. Harold Brooks (NSSL) makes for good reading:

http://www.norman.noaa.gov/2009/02/the-relationship-between-preliminary-and-final-tornado-reports/

 

[Paul Austin]

Very interesting read, Greg, especially in light of 2008's early tornado counts and record-setting pace.

 

[John Wetter]

Very interesting.... What did happen in March of 2006? I'm trying to think of what all changed.

 

[Jeff Snyder]

Very interesting.... What did happen in March of 2006? I'm trying to think of what all changed.

Not sure, but I think the first big event was March 12th... Many chasers and spotters started going with full-time internet connections that year, so perhaps there were more after-dark erroneous reports No idea other than guesses, though.

 

[Jason Foster]

Yes...I don't think it's any new news that the margin between preliminary and actual reports has been spreading over the past few years (and perhaps as an ongoing trend). I'll be sure to read the report/link tonight or tomorrow and will likely blog about it afterwards.

 

[Dick McGowan]

Not sure, but I think the first big event was March 12th... Many chasers and spotters started going with full-time internet connections that year, so perhaps there were more after-dark erroneous reports No idea other than guesses, though.

Mike Deason, Darin Brunin and I had no internet that night (3/12/2006)...in fact we had no idea the still-advancing dryline was firing (after a massive recovery of instability)in NW Missouri.

We were shooting lightning in cool SW sfc winds, when they quickly roared back from the east and a 3/4 mile wide wedge emerged. We soon found ourselves watching a 2nd mesocyclone form almost on top of us and soon a second tornado was born (that Scott Currens had a close encounter with). I dialed 911 (only way of reporting back then) and told them there were two on the ground and the larger one was approaching the town of Marshall, MO. It missed Marshall by 1.5 miles and produced up to F3 damage near there.

This storm would produce another weak tornado afterwards and the one we ditched this one for (to the SW) would produce another tornado north of Sedalia. This was one of two times I've been hit by a tornado...which nearly stopped my heart. Powerflashes illuminated the sky after it formed directly on Highway 65 as it crossed over it at 65 mph.

IIRC March 30th, 2006 was another big day for tornadoes.

Damage:

NWS EAX: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/eax/?n=events-mar122006

 

[Paul Austin]

Very interesting.... What did happen in March of 2006? I'm trying to think of what all changed.

Perhaps more effective efforts to eliminate duplicate reports was implemented around that time? Perhaps the advent of internet reporting (Spotternet, etc.) has increased the shear number of duplicate reports? Perhaps GPS/satellite imagery improvements has made resolving event truth easier? Just some speculation on my part.