OFFICIAL SEVERE WEATHER ADVISORIES/WATCHES
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued for southern UK and southern Wales 13th February. Strong gusts were recorded exceeding the severe level criteria within the watch zone for that day.
Forecaster: meteorologist Paul Knightley.
COMMENTS
A quiet month for thundery activity, though very much the norm in a seasonal aspect! A northerly air stream dominated most of the month bringing snow to many parts of the UK with drifting and lots of traffic congestion. East regions were worst hit with many schools closing and numerous reports of vehicle collisions and stranded motorists.
Some interesting and isolated reports did reach the forum, one for 13th February County Antrim, N Ireland where a man had a lucky escape with his life when he was struck by lightning within his own home. The charge then continued to wreck havoc across the house, popping plug sockets and melting electrical apparatus.
TORRO site investigator Paul Domaille was kept busy collating reports for eyewitness accounts of a waterspout flipping small boats and lifting roofs in Guernsey 22nd February and then two days later after a passenger plane was forced to land after being struck twice by lightning during take off 24th February. In addition to this, several ball lightning events occurred during the thunderstorm with some excellent eyewitness reports of strange lights seen moving and even exploding! Paul has since liased with Peter Van Doorn (Ball Lightning Division) in order for these events to be recorded properly, so well done Paul!
Congratulations are in order for TORRO director Richard Wild (Snow Division) with achieving his PhD, relating to Heavy Snow Fall, so well done Richard.
SPRING CONFERENCE
Details for the TORRO Spring conference We do hope to see as many faces as possible. We only have the two meeting each year so this is the best time to get to meet everyone and support your organisation.
CONVECTION
The deadline for articles for the Convection publication is approaching fast. So if you have anything interesting and weather related please contact Alan and Wendy Rogers. Details: - http://www.torro.org.uk/TORRO/convection/index.php Thank you
CLOSURE
A short newsletter in its own right! Though I'm sure with the approach of the 2005 spring season things will become much more active in every sense of the word.
Best Wishes
Tony Gilbert (Director and Site Investigation Co ordinator to TORRO)
Tel:- 023 92502551
Mobile 07887755422