A Notably better month than last year with one waterspout and two well publicised tornadoes. By comparison January 2001 had one possible tornado and one possible funnel cloud.
JANUARY EVENTS:-
WS 20th January 1500 GMT. Forth Estuary, Scotland. This waterspout was viewed by a pilot. The details of which were then passed onto TORRO executive Nigel Bolton.
TN (T2) 26th January 0800 GMT. Alsager, Cheshire. TORRO site investigators Matt Capper and Mike Scott conducted a site investigation the same afternoon to verify that it was in fact a tornado. Details of which were also posted to the list and included damage to houses, trees and fences.
TN (T2) 26th January 0820 GMT. Fradley, Staffordshire. TORRO executive Karl Robbins conducted an investigation two days later, whereby good evidence was obtained to substantiate the report. Damage included storage shed roof carried approx. 60 ft, several trees uprooted and a 1 ton trailer turned on it's side. Debris caused the A38 to close for 6hrs.
A TORNADO ADVISORY AND WATCH for most of the UK was issued 19th January. A TORNADO WATCH for most of the UK was issued 23rd January. Forecaster: - TORRO director Dr David Reynolds.
COMMENTS:
Firstly we would like to welcome newly appointed executive Karl Robbins who will assist TORRO as membership secretary. A good response from TORRO site investigators Matt Capper and Mike Scott who promptly met up and conducted a site investigation for the Alsager event on the same afternoon. Also, many thanks to executive Karl Robbins for dealing with the Fradley event, later made damage photos available via his we page.
A note on the months advisories/watches. These were issued as conditions were deemed favourable for the development of tornadoes. Whilst none have yet been reported for the said periods, we should not entirely rule out the possibility that tornadoes may have occurred but went unreported. If we use the Fradley tornado as an example we can see that had it not tracked through the Equestrian Centre then we may very well never have learned of its existence. The area was mainly farm land and open countryside as may often be case for many unreported similar events.
Good to see the first 2002 severe weather discussions posted to the list. It should be noted that these discussions are open to all members at all levels of qualification and experience.. Only by the sharing of knowledge can we better hope to understand 'weather extremes'
I was recently asked a question by an inquisitive member of the public; - Has anyone in the UK chased a storm and actually seen a tornado by the end of the chase? I replied I didn't know! I do know that some of us have seen funnel clouds after a chase and others like myself have come up against a tornado by pure chance. Well if the 'former' is the case, it would be nice to think that a keen member may with good planning, foresight and acquired knowledge challenge this 'slur' on our good name!!!!!!! 'GOOD HUNTING'!
Best Wishes Tony Gilbert
(Site Investigation Coordinator and Executive to The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation)