Potential Improvements to the National Tornado Database in Storm Data Through the Use of High Resolution Aerial/Satellite Imagery

Remote sensing has been used for many decades as a source of diagnostic, prognostic and verification information in meteorology. Recent years have seen increased capabilities in sensing as technology has improved the ability to acquire environmental information with more spatial and temporal detail and accuracy. This information has become more readily available through online websites which provide this information allowing ease of data mining, often at no expense. One such platform is high resolution aerial/satellite imagery providing imagery of at least 10-m resolution over large portions of the Earth’s land surface. The images obtained via this method can be used to supplement verification of various severe weather phenomenon. In particular, this imagery is useful in modifying known tornado tracks, especially in remote areas and discovering tornadoes unknown to local National Weather Service (NWS) offices. The research presented here examines the techniques and uses of high resolution aerial and satellite imagery within framework of NWS verification and inclusion into Storm Data.