Extended Abstract (672K)4.1
On Issues of Tornado Damage Assessment and F-Scale Assignment in Agricultural Areas
Jared L. Guyer, NOAA/NWS, Hastings, NE; and M. L. Moritz
Lack of structures in predominately agricultural areas can pose special challenges to the operational assignment of F-scale ratings to tornado damage. In regions with relatively lower population densities and an associated lack of structures, F-scale definitions only provide vague guidance for damage assessment.
For the sake of consistency in operational F-scale assignment amongst geographic regions, the authors suggest the F-scale incorporate more non-structural types of damage. Specifically, to better account for tornadic damage in predominately agricultural areas, F-scale descriptions should be refined to incorporate such things as irrigation pivots, agricultural crops, and other types of vegetation.
Session 4, Wind, Damage, and F-Scale III
Tuesday, 11 February 2003, 8:30 AM-9:45 AM
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