DECEMBER WHIRLWIND EVENTS
Much the same as last year 'seasonally' with nothing to report.
2003 WHIRLWIND TOTALS
Down on last year with just nine tornadoes and three probable tornadoes, sixteen waterspouts, thirty-four funnel clouds and twelve probable funnel clouds, eight land devils, one water devil, and one eddy whirlwind. By contrast 2002 saw thirty one tornadoes and six probable, fourteen waterspouts, fifty funnel clouds and 17 probable funnel clouds, four land devils, three eddy whirlwinds and one whirlwind.
THANKYOU
Thankyou to all members and staff that have contributed in some way to the organisation through 2003.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS DECEMBER
Not a significant month for any severe weather. But maybe this is no surprise! The threat of 'heavy' snow for Christmas looked high and sent the bookies into a sweat as the odds went from 'odds on' to 'all bets off'. Though many members, before Christmas, in Scotland, north east and Norfolk had some drifting for a time. The media made quite a 'song and dance' about eighteen inches of drifting which I'm sure some of the older members might recall with a chuckle 1963 winter where the morning wasn't about clearing the drive but moreover 'where is the car'! But of course that was before my time!
Ah well, I suppose we've had it good for those that enjoy some fine weather and we shouldn't complain. Mind, that wasn't any consolation for the many drivers caught in traffic cues from the smallest flurry. Sadly a sign of the times!
MAILING LIST
Many thanks to TORRO executive Mark Humpage for dealing with list moderation and other list problems through 2003.
Due to infrequent problems with the mailing list some members have been temporary unsubscribed out of necessity. TORRO requests that members do not leave their subscribed mail box address unchecked for long periods of time as a build up of undeleted mail causes a loop on the mail server program. If you do not wish to receive mail anymore please unsubscribe using http://list.zetnet.co.uk/mailman/listinfo/torro or if you are away for a while change your settings to 'NO MAIL'.
The mailing list was originally set up for members to discuss and report severe weather events or enter into severe weather discussions with other members. General weather discussion go to torro@list.zetnet.co.uk , and for severe weather reporting and receive the official TORRO severe weather forecasts torrosvrwx@list.zetnet.co.uk. Please save these within your address book if you have not already done so.
The mailing list has never truly been put to the test due to a recent lack of any real severe weather incidents. In many ways this will give the mailing list a 'FALSE' impression of being dormant. Please remember we have a max post limit of 160KB. Please use a graphics package to re size down any images. Try http://bluefive.pair.com/pixresizer.htm as this is free and easy to use. Remember to tick compress file (as I forgot to do on the last newsletter!!). Alternatively if you have a large image then put it on your own web space then just post the link. We're not being awkward, we are just thinking of those members that are still on a basic dial up and smaller computers. As many of us have learned, a large file can freeze up your computer and cause problems when downloading.
On another note please remember that the mailing list is an open forum for 'ALL' members irrespective of experience or qualification. If you wish to give an opinion please feel free to do so. Your views will be respected even if they may conflict with others. If we are all to learn then it is important to keep an open mind for alternative explanations. When we stop listening to other opinions (irrespective of origin or academic qualification) we also lose the chance to update or correct the science we may 'THINK' we have!!
WEB SITE
Thankyou Matt Capper our web weaver for his continued efforts with the web site. There are now just three links left dormant:-
- Irish Whirlwinds
- Heavy snowfall
- Weather related health issues.
Hopefully those responsible for these divisions will soon be able to complete the last voids within the site! Please remember this site is being re built from scratch by voluntary time! Mark Humpage has offered to put together a gallery for the TORRO website and hopefully something will appear soon within the site. Please help Mark mailto:Mark.Humpage@amscott7.com by posting whatever you have. Any image attachments will be much better dealt with if re sized down to a manageable pixel level e.g.. 300kb 'before' you post. The wonders of new technology tends to give us HUGE scope for capturing pictures. This is great for your own PC but if you want to post or share the image please lower your settings!
It should be duly noted that by surfing the net we can see that TORRO's web site still holds its position in the links section of many other well recognised weather organisations. This pays tribute to us in itself.
REQUEST FOR HELP
TORRO is still in need of help with an application for a lottery grant. We have looked at their version of suited candidates and TORRO very much fits the part. Moreover it just needs someone to offer their help with making the application. Much of this can be done online. If anyone can help with this work please contact either Robert Doe robertkdoe@aol.com or myself anthony.gilbert@torro.org.uk Thankyou
FORECASTING
Executive and meteorologist Paul Knightly has made excellent progress with the official TORRO forecasts. Though still experimental a constant vigil was made throughout the year in order to asses the risk to life and property. In many ways the job was made harder for Paul by the notable lack of severe weather to make comparisons and for us all to learn by. Hopefully 2004 will be different. Thankyou also to Paul for adding a forecast zone map with the text allowing onlookers to better locate the regions most at risk. Maybe the end of 2004 will us better scope for calculating how successful our forecasting has been.
RECENT LINKS
Please be reminded that there is now a wealth of information on the World Wide Web, many members within TORRO now have links to this information. A sample of a few :- GFS model forecast program GFS model forecast program (Stuart Robinson) for radar subscription (approx £28.00 per year!!) good value. high resolution radar subscription (£70.00 300 files) excellent! for the best of all your free weather links !!!!
ARCHIVE
Many thanks to TORRO executive Stuart Robinson for re working the official TORRO data base and archive. Stuart tells me that we may be properly live any time now! Basic data such as date, time place etc of severe weather events will be open to the general public whilst details to site investigations, media reporting and photo's will be strictly log on only. This concession we hope to make free to all full members of TORRO. Please keep your eventual password safe as we are hoping to request a small donation from media and other official organisations should they require more detail. What we should remember is that all additional information has over the years, been accomplished by our members hard work and sometimes at a financial cost to themselves. It is therefore right that a small donation goes to the TORRO fund which will ultimately benefit us all.
MEDIA INTERACTION
Throughout 2003 TORRO has been involved in several media and TV projects. Some of which include writing the script for severe weather documentaries i.e.. 'Built for Destruction' to be shown internationally early in the new year and for well established publications, such as 'Stars and Stripes'. TORRO has also helped several University students that have chosen tornadoes for their exam studies. TORRO still remains the first port of call for up to date severe weather information.
TORRO PUBLICATIONS
Well done TORRO director Robert Doe with The Journal of Meteorology journalofmeteorology.com The journal has had many improvements made lately and we all wish it success in the future. Please remember we are waiting for more research papers from our members. Well done TORRO director Alan Rogers with the publication of Convection flow@zetnet.co.uk This light hearted publication awaits more papers for 2004.
SPRING MEETING
Please remember the Spring Meeting will be 20th March 2004. This is an important day for TORRO and your attendance will be much appreciated. Details will be released shortly.
TORRO's CONSTITUTION REMAINS
TORRO was established in 1974 by Dr Terence Meaden. Its main objective:- to research and log severe weather events. Unlike many other similar organisations it has accomplished this without corporate funding, but by the volunteered hard work by staff and members. TORRO is a mix of weather watchers, amateur meteorologist right up to highly qualified and academic personnel. TORRO exists upon a 'LEVEL PLAYING FIELD' with our common interest being severe weather. Meteorology is divided into a huge spectrum encompassing all the different aspects of weather. No one person can truly say they know ALL of these divisions fully. By specialising in just one aspect of weather i.e.. 'severe weather' it is possible to know a great deal. By sharing our acquired knowledge and undertaking research we can all benefit.
TORRO preaches a 'hands on' approach to severe weather and this is where damage site investigations and direct communication with media can help. Can we really say we know the weather by reading from a text book alone. I doubt it! moreover we can experience weather by getting out and observing it, recording any damage it may cause, speaking to eyewitnesses, and so on to documenting what we have found. This type of research is priceless and can allow you to sometimes question what has been accepted as the norm'!. The text book is nevertheless an important tool initially for learning, but we should all consider the fact that what may be written down as fact today may one day be disputed as just theory in the future. Let's hope 2004 brings more opportunities for us all to get more involved!
HAPPY NEW YEAR
TORRO wishes everyone a very happy and prosperous new year.
Any omissions or comments regarding the newsletter please post directly to me and NOT the general mailing list. Thankyou. Best Wishes Tony Gilbert (Executive to The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation) Tornado Site Investigation Co ordinator.