LATE REPORT FROM JANUARY
fc 28th Jan Loughborough, Leicestershire. TORRO member Stuart Robinson sent in this report published in the Loughborough Echo. Members of the public were said to have looked up during an intense thunderstorm to see a funnel cloud whirling around in the sky. Stuart also reported losing mains electric power for 2 hrs during the storm.
FEBRUARY WHIRLWIND EVENTS
LD (Snow Devil) 4th February Aberfeldy, Perthshire. This report was sent in by TORRO executive Nigel Bolton. One or more snow devils reportedly danced around like snakes in a neighbouring field, some as tall as the tree tops.Drifting snow in a gusty N wind, temp around 1 C and wind around 30 mph. Report originated from Brian Blair.
NO OFFICIAL SEVERE WEATHER ADVISORIES WATCHES OR WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR FEBRUARY
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Yet another quiet month as is common for February. Nice to learn of the unusual report of snow devils, likely to have been quite a spectacle to witness. Yet another cousin of the 'Dancing Dervish' or Dust Devil bought about by similar atmospheric conditions, though be it at the colder end of the scale. Having personally witnessed three dust devils one here in the UK and two in the USA, my interests have grown to learn more of this short lived but amazing phenomena. Maybe it could be a challenge to TORRO for 2003 to intensify our studies in this division of our work, particularly so during the summer months when such reports are more common. So those summer ramblers amongst you please arm yourself with a camera just in case!
Please remember that the TORRO spring meeting will be held at the Oxford Brookes University 22nd March 2003 in Room LL102 All are welcome but advance booking is required. If you would like to attend please contact D.Elsom 01865 483950/761 and reserve your place. dmelsom@brookes.ac.uk
Best Wishes Tony Gilbert (Executive to The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation)