WDTD SOTM (August 23 2023): Radar Observations of Tornadic Debris Plumes

Presenter: Ernie Ostuno, NWS Grand Rapids, MI
Abstract: Debris lofted into the air by tornadoes can be observed by National Weather Service radar. Several examples of radar observations of debris plumes are presented, showing their evolution in time and space. An attempt is made to show a correlation between the vertical height and persistence of the debris and tornado intensity as determined by post-storm damage surveys. Cases of debris plumes associated with misocyclones are also presented. No damage was noted from ground surveys and the debris plumes may have been composed of leaves or grass. A classification problem is presented by these examples since it is not clear whether they are weak tornadoes or sub-tornadic vortices.