A less than average month for tornadic activity with (inc. possibles) two funnel clouds, one eddy whirlwind, two waterspouts. Whereas April 2001 saw (inc. possibles) six funnel clouds, two tornadoes and one remarkable shower.
APRIL EVENTS:
EW 6th April 1100 BST Wyneside Fisheries, Bay Horse, Nr Lancashire. Eyewitness reported to TORRO via UKMO. Heard a loud noise like air pressure from broken pipes. Observed light debris being lifted and scattered. Was thrown to the ground by the force of the vortex as it passed over him. Noticed a perfect upside down cone shape as the vortex moved out across the lake. Event lasted approx. 30 seconds.
fc 17th April Photo's taken at Reading University.
ws 18th April 1020 BST Off shore to Beacon Hill, Brighton. Reported to UKMO. No further details. Synoptic condition were conducive to tornadic activity.
FC (several) 19th April Observations made by a Meteorological Office in the Channel Islands. Passed on by TORRO executive Nigel Bolton.
WS 28th April 1600 BST Farmoor Reservoir, Oxford. Eyewitness, whilst wind surfing observed a tapering mass of cloud making contact with the water surface. Details passed on by TORRO director Jonathan Webb
NO OFFICIAL TORNADO ADVISORY WATCHES OR WARNING WERE ISSUED BY TORRO FOR APRIL
COMMENTS
Some interesting items included a report of golf ball sized hail and intense lightning on 21st April in Greater Manchester. Whilst there had been some thundery activity through the month, this would appear to be less than last year. Whilst upper instability would seem to be in abundance on several occasions. The notable lack of favourable windshear and warmer surface temperatures was enough to limit the extent of any worthy activity.
Mailing list survey results showed most check their mail on a regular basis. Many of whom post to the list from time to time. A handful of members suggested that there was room for improvement. The survey results were discussed at the recent staff meeting and ideas to improve popularity were put forward. Items included an additional chat room for storm chasers and the facility to post photo's/diagrams directly to the list. This ever more so with the onset and popularity of digital cameras. New and recent links to interesting weather web sites have been circulated by members. These include:
http://www.lightningwizard.com/maps/
http://weather.admin.niu.edu/machine/sound.html
TORRO now has up 126 tornado site investigators on data base. The next few months and the increased likelihood of tornadoes will test the willingness of those members on the list. Please remember that if you are unable to be directly involved you can still help by surfing media reports on the internet and posting the link to what you find. A big thank you to Matt Capper and all those who have taken the time to write up reports for media and for mentioning involvement to TORRO.
NOTE OF ABSENCE There will be a slight delay on the May newsletter (for 1st June) as I will be on my annual storm vacation in USA. Here's wishing for a thundery May!
Best Wishes Tony Gilbert (Site Investigation Co-ordinator and Executive to The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation)