VORTEX2

[Patrick Marsh]

I'll be leading the forecasting team for the first 2-2.5 weeks in the field. Then I'll return to Norman to run the VORTEX II Operations Center again (while also helping run the NSSL/SPC Experimental Forecast Program).

 

[IAN GIAMMANCO]

8 weeks to go... frightening. I'll be back with the TTU StickNet teams or the Ka-radar(s)... still up in the air if our two radars (or just one) will be a part of V2 this year. Last year's funding for the radar came from TTU's Vice Pres. for Research. Our fingers are crossed for NSF supplement dollars.

 

[Chris_Spannagle]

I'll be part of the OU/WDTB photogrammetry team for approximately 2 weeks.

 

[Kate Pfeister]

I'll be riding along with CSWR and hopefully other groups for the duration of the trip doing a photo documentary to wrap up my degree.

Seems like I will meeting a few of you too.

 

[Jennifer Jackson]

I would absolutely love to be a part of vortex 2. If anyone would need an extra to do anything for them, let me know ahead of time. Thanks.

 

[Jeff Duda]

I'll probably be sitting in my office in May looking at my model runs dying of jealousy at those who get to be part of something so cool...and will get to chase, while here in Iowa we'll either still be freezing or dealing with river flooding.

 

[Zach Borst]

Yeah I wish I could get in on this, my school doesn't have a meteorology/atmospheric science program. I am a Geography major/Geospatial Technology minor. If you guys need a GIS'er let me know!

 

[Andy Wehrle]

So if I am not mistaken today is the first day of the 2010 phase of V2. Is today's AR risk area within their range? Might be some extended down time (hopefully not as much as last year) after this outbreak.

 

[Patrick Marsh]

So if I am not mistaken today is the first day of the 2010 phase of V2. Is today's AR risk area within their range? Might be some extended down time (hopefully not as much as last year) after this outbreak.

You are correct that today is the first day of VORTEX II. However, I do want to clear up some misconceptions about a "domain". Technically there is no VORTEX II "domain". The area that has been shown in previous maps and things is just a rough outline of the better chase territory. It doesn't mean the armada won't operate outside of it. In fact, the tornado in Wyoming from last year was outside the supposed domain. With that said, they do not want to operate in the hills and trees.

 

[Ryan McGinnis]

Nope:

*edit* what Patrick said -- though there are areas that are simply too far / not chaseable for them to go to. Arkansas is one of those areas.

You can follow the V2 blogs here:

http://tornadoscientists.blogspot.com/
http://wolfpackvortex.blogspot.com/
http://www.ttuvortex2.blogspot.com/
http://meteorology.lyndonstate.edu/blog/

I'll also be updating my blog at http://bigstormpicture.blogspot.com once I join up with them. I won't be doing that until the weather pattern is a bit more active; I imagine they'll be chilling out in Norman for a little while.

 

[Warren Faidley]

TWC says they are no go today and for the immediate future.

None of the models show anything of substance in their region until maybe late next week, or longer.

W.

 

[Bill Hark]

Here is a nice article from the BBC on VORTEX.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science_and_environment/10093808.stm

Bill Hark

 

[Mike Smith]

Anyone know if the Vortex II armada will be in Kansas tomorrow? Have they made that call?

 

[Mike Johnston]

Anyone know if the Vortex II armada will be in Kansas tomorrow? Have they made that call?

Yes, that is what Mike Bettes is indicating on his Twitter messages...evidently they're traveling to central Kansas today and eastern Kansas could be their target for tomorrow.

Getting back to the forecast, I guess I don't understand why SPC is standing by their forecast of 50's to low 60's td in the target area tomorrow. Both the NAM and GFS are indicating 65+, and the latest Day 2 outlook was written several hours after these models had run. I'm sure I'm probably missing something, but if anyone can see it, please point it out. Thanks.

 

[David Wolfson]

Slightly off-topic, but rather than start a "DOW sightings" thread, I'll try this here....

A few minutes ago I either need medical attention or I just saw a DOW truck, or close facsimile thereof northbound on Saguaro Boulevard in Fountain Hills, AZ. Other locals can attest to the incongruity of this on what is a local arterial and current SRH parameters just about nil. Anybody know wazzup with this?

No, I haven't been drinking (recently)....