Indiana severe weather climatology

This research analyzes the severe weather climatology for Indiana. Storm report data for tornadoes (1950-2009), hail (1955-2009), and wind (1955-2009) is obtained from the Storm Prediction Center SVR GIS webpage and is mapped in ArcGIS for spatial distribution analysis. Thirty-year climatologies are also developed and reviewed to determine climatological trends for the state. Spatial analysis indicates high reports of severe weather slightly downwind of urban areas outside of counties with higher populations. This observational evidence suggests a possible land surface heterogeneity feedback from the urban to rural transition zone. Thirty-year climatological analysis reveals decreasing tornado events with an increase in hail and wind events.