Integrated tornado detection and warning

Several groups are attempting to build or sell tornado alarm devices. These devices are intended to supplement the Tornado Forecasting and Warning system currently implemented by the National Weather Service and its many cooperating organizations. Understanding the differences between the two approaches and each approach’s strengths and weaknesses may foster an understanding that saves more and more lives.

The current system is based on a very expert, locally centralized, decision making body. This body collects information from many internal and external sources, determines appropriate warning information, and disseminates warnings through internal and external channels. This last step is literally an attempt to inform thousands of imminent danger. The risk of unclear or inaccurate messages being sent to thousands of people thereby impacting the integrity of the system justifies, “the NWS alone must remain the sole originator of tornado warnings.” Proper overall public response depends on this consistency.

In contrast, tornado alarm devices are decentralized and autonomous. Such a device usually collects information of some parameter from a single source, determines if an alarm is indicated, and disseminates that alarm immediately in its nearby locale. All these functions are integrated into a single device. It is intended to inform a few nearby people of imminent danger more quickly or in more convenient ways than the centralized system can. The risk of inaccurate messages affects only a few and can be justified if the rewards of quicker, more convenient alarms save lives.

Some might view these two systems as conflicting, but I see them as rather complementary. In fact, the NWS actually makes use of tornado alarm devices within its system. One of these devices is called a spotter. A spotter is an integrated device that collects information from the skies with eyes, determines if an alarm is indicated, and disseminates that alarm to local emergency management or the NWS. Hopefully, the spotter then makes appropriate response before a warning is issued by the NWS. Another device is Doppler radar. It measures the radar return, determines whether to alarm for a mesocyclone, TVS, etc., and disseminates that alarm to its local operator. Hopefully, the operator makes the appropriate response before a warning is issued by the NWS.

Proposed and currently available tornado alarm devices will be discussed. Their and the current system’s strengths and weaknesses will be included. Also discussed will be how they can specifically complement each other. How these devices independently and within the system can help save lives will be emphasized.