COMMENTS
Not a particularly busy month by definition. Though TORRO did receive a few funnel cloud reports to add to the archive. It was also good to see the new TORRO reporting tool in action. This tool (link) serves to take the pressure off staff during active weather periods. All applied reports will be automatically saved to a temporary archive storage facility. The link for ALL severe weather reporting can be found at http://www.torro.org.uk/events/ukmap.asp, courtesy of TORRO executive Stuart Robinson. Thank you Stuart!
TORRO director Jonathan Webb (Lightning Division) passed on the following comments for March:-
Basically very quiet, and only 4 definite days of activity so far, though more will I'm sure come in.
26th. Scattered thunder accompanied a cold front southwards across the South Midlands and SE England during the early afternoon, e.g. (most just one clap events) at Coventry, Evesham, Milton Keynes, Hertford, West London and Surrey
23/24th. The most active outbreak by far....overnight in south-west England, especially Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire where there was a quite spectacular lightning display for the time of year. A house was struck and severely damaged at Chippenham. There was also a report of ball lightning from Guernsey (a month after a notable BL event on the island!) Thank you Jon!
TORRO SPRING MEETING TURNOUT (April 2nd)
I've added this in with the March newsletter for convenience
A good day was had by all with some positive feedback from guests! The morning was taken up as usual with divisional reporting by the appropriate staff keeping us all informed as to the yearly statistics. Apologies to executive Paul Knightly for having such little time to sit down. Paul basically stole the show for much of the day with more than his fair share of interesting talks. Well done Paul we all learned a lot. Thank you Bret for standing in. In short a big thank you to all the speakers of the day!
PS. At the end of the meeting an offer to run the merchandise was given by a TORRO member. I have since lost that persons name. Please get in touch so we can discuss this issue further.
In addition to this TORRO member Ian Miller has offered his services to help administrate the organization of TORRO meetings. Ian is a long standing member and regularly travels all the way from Sunderland for the meetings. Ian we need to speak further on this issue and thank you!
The spring is upon us and so too the period for higher severe weather statistics. Let's all try to get more involved with our research. The best way for you as members to do this is to visit local severe weather damage sites in order for us all to obtain the true facts of what has happened. This in turn will increase your knowledge and confidence to represent TORRO where it counts. Thank you.
Best Wishes
Tony Gilbert (Director and Site Investigation Co ordinator to TORRO)
Tel:- 023 92502551
Mobile 07887755422