After the Storm.

Yesterday, there were tornadoes. While the events of May 10, 2010 may have come as a surprise to the many people whose lives were so greatly impacted (or, in the extreme cases, taken) by the weather that day, meteorologists knew of the increased probability of severe storms in the Great Plains several days in advance. What we didn’t know was where exactly it would happen, or when.

Tornadoes are such ephemeral phenomena that it will likely never be possible to make precise forecasts of tornadic activity even a day in advance. If, however, we can somehow gain a better understanding of tornado wind structure and how tornadoes form and evolve, it may be possible both to construct structures that are more able to withstand tornadic winds and to increase the amount of time during which people can take precautions and head to safety. Even a few short minutes will make a world of difference to many.

Yesterday was not a great day for Vortex2. The terrain we were located in was not horribly favorable for deployment, storms were moving almost too fast for our armada to chase, and communication problems plagued much of the day. We drove back that night through the debris, powerless to offer any further insight or relief. We feel deeply for all who suffered and lost that day.

Like those impacted, all we can do is try not to get discouraged, and hope that today will be a better day.

Driving back, after the rain, past Tecumseh, OK, which was closed off due to damage.