LATE REPORT FROM OCTOBER
FC 29th Oct 15-1600 GMT Warrington, Lancashire. Photo's were taken by a Chris Short a proof. Dr Terence Meaden passed on the report to TORRO.
NOVEMBER WHIRLWIND EVENTS
Once again a less than average, though similar to last year's November total with one tornado. By comparison last November saw one waterspout, and two funnel clouds.
TN 2nd Nov 1625 GMT, Mettingham, North Suffolk. This T1-2 tornado travelled 11/4 miles and had a maximum track width of 70m. Damage included a farmhouse and outbuildings. A portacabin was also shifted from its foundation. Full site investigation was undertaken by TORRO member Dr Charles Briscoe.
AN OFFICIAL SEVERE THUNDERSTORM ADVISORY AND TORNADO WATCH WAS ISSUED
2nd and 3rd Nov for most southern regions of the UK. Forecaster (Meteorologist) Paul Knightley.
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
Photo of the month Warrington FC 29th Oct Courtesy Chris Short and Mr Atterwell TN 2nd Nov.
Yet again a quiet month in general, all be it for the Mettingham tornado 2nd November and a few isolated general thunderstorms. The November jet stream either directed weak depressions up from the continent with their wet occluded fronts or spun off the deeper depression to the north of Scotland reducing any cold warm air collisions at surface. Basically the cold upper troughs were stacked above cold air at the surface. Many thanks to Charles Briscoe for representing TORRO whilst conducting a full survey of the damage (mettingham TN). I hope other members can be spurned on to undertake such activities in the future. TORRO as it stands is the only organisation in the UK that is logging such events, together with the fact that we do it all voluntarily. Our members interests in severe weather can be put to the test by conducting their own site investigations. This will allow them to properly understand the dynamics that are involved and then pass this information back to us all. Please don't wait for TORRO to call you, if you know of an event locally give it a go.
CSIP Convective Storms Initiation Project
A priority request has been made to TORRO with the hope of our involvement in 2004. Those of you that know of the VORTEX project in the USA will also know that many voluntary observers were employed to monitor the development of a severe storm. This UK project may have some similarity in many ways. If and when this work starts in the new year some TORRO members may be called upon for their involvement.
Wind Engineering Society Conference.
Many thanks to TORRO executive Mark Humpage who has offered to represent TORRO at the conference 3rd Feb 2004 with a presentation.
Archive
A big thankyou to TORRO executive Stuart Robinson for making a start with the TORRO archive. Stuart tells me that he should have an interactive program available by mid January 2004. This will be a user friendly means of accessing information that till now has only been available to the chosen few. A password may be arranged so that this will benefit mainly TORRO and possibly UKWW members as part of their membership.
Photo Gallery
Mark Humpage mhumpage@aol.com has requested that I make a plea to members for more weather photo's. I do not know of any other weather website that is completely devoid of photo's so this is becoming a priority. The gallery will be divided into different aspects of weather and not just the severe. If the photo's are good, please post them in. But do remember to write a short summary of i.e., date, place and what the conditions were like.
Media
I have personally been offered a chance to represent TORRO on the BBC Country File, with a video diary. I did point out that we need the storms first and that they don't always book to order. Ah well.
Help Required
We have had little response from our members to our calls for assistance with Lottery funding or European representation. For those interested please contact me anthony.gilbert@torro.org.uk. Executive status IS NOT automatic and you will be required to work under your own steam. Terence has offered to help initially with anyone who takes on the role for European rep. These efforts will in time give recognition to you as a committed member purely by the result of your work.
Recognition From TORRO
The Journal of Meteorology requires more papers from TORRO members. Recognition as an amateur researcher can be very rewarding, but it takes much time and effort to create a paper worthy of the JMet. If you want recognition for your field of research or interest then we are waiting for you. 'This also applies to all members of TORRO staff'. Remember when it goes to print you would have established something to be proud of and that may be on someone's bookshelf for many years to come. Remember that TORRO is a mixture of amateurs and professionals alike all of which are equal and all have a right to give their say on our common interest 'Weather'!.
Best Wishes Tony Gilbert (Executive to The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation) Tornado Site Investigation Co ordinator.