Abstract This paper discusses the formation of tornadoes. This destructive natural phenomenon takes place very often in the Central region of the United States. The warm moist air collides with drier air to form super cells, which are massive storm accompanied by violent powerful winds.
Abstract This paper describes a tornado that ripped through Gallatin, Tennessee. The paper portrays how the tornado ripped through Gallatin and made national news for its damage and devastation, including the deaths of 12 residents. The paper is written as if the author of this paper witnessed the event first hand.
From the Paper "The morning had called for storms. Residents in Middle Tennessee were used to storms, in fact some joked that the Tornado Alley had recently moved to include that region. For several years there had been storms in which Doppler Radar had detected tornadoes in the sky and issued alerts for the area, however, they rarely if ever touched down. Perhaps the worst that happened was a tail whipped out of the sky and damaged a few roofs before retreating back into the clouds. On April 7, 2006 however, the world of those who lived in Gallatin was forever changed, when a tornado not only touched down, but waltzed across the city as if competing in a final dance competition. When it was finally over, people were dead, businesses were destroyed, a college was leveled and homes were completely demolished."
Abstract This paper stresses that, even if you have never been through the ?tornado experience?, you can still be on the lookout in the sky for a greenish or greenish-black color common to approaching tornadoes. The author points out that one should be especially wary if local weather or disaster authorities have issued a tornado watch, which means that a tornado is possible within a narrowly-specified period; a tornado warning is even more serious. The paper relates that, no matter how many tornadoes you have suffered through at home or on your farm, it is particularly important in multi-storied, crowded buildings to move to the interior of the structure, preferably a stairwell or hallway.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Awareness
Step 2: See a Tornado in the Sky
Step 3: The Tornado Strikes
Step 4: What to Do before a Tornado Strikes to Mitigate Risk
From the Paper "It is helpful to be aware of what a tornado is, meteorologically and chronologically speaking. There are four main stages in a tornado's life. These are the organization stage, the mature stage, the shrinking stage, and the decaying stage. In the organization stage, the weather conspires to create the classic, funnel-shaped cloud. The mature stage means that the tornado cloud is not at its largest size. ?The funnel then decreases to a thin column in the shrinking stage, and becomes fragmented and very disorganized in the decaying stage, although it is still a destructive funnel.? "
Abstract The writer of this paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the effects of tornadoes, one of the deadliest atmospheric conditions known to man. This paper also details the event of May 30, 1998 in which a tornado hit the small town of Spencer, North Dakota. This paper examines the differences between tornadoes, hurricanes and cyclones. Tornadoes differ from hurricanes in that they form over land, while hurricanes form over water. This paper explores how tornadoes develop as well as the atmospheric conditions that must occur to form tornadoes, including vast thermal instability, high humidity and the meeting of warm, moist air at low levels with cooler, drier air above. The writer also examines a recent trend, called storm chasing which has become a popular, recreational sport. Professional storm chasers include meteorologists and scientists who study storms to try to discover how to predict them earlier and understand just how they form.
From the Paper "The National Weather Service (NWS) does have certain criteria that indicate certain weather patterns that spawn tornadoes. When these patterns occur, the NWS does issue "tornado watches," which can be upgraded to tornado warnings if the conditions persist or intensify. A warning tells people that a tornado may be imminent and they should take shelter immediately. Experts recommend that small, interior rooms are the best for shelter in the event of a tornado. Basements are good, but people should stay away from windows in any part of the house. Hiding under a heavy piece of furniture can also be a good idea. People are more educated about tornadoes than they were, and so they are better at protecting themselves when tornadoes strike. Many large cities have underground tornado shelters that help save many lives each year."
Abstract This paper describes the causes and mechanisms of tornadoes in general, with a focus on the 1925 Tri-State Tornado, and briefly touches on media coverage of the tornado. The paper looks at how the Great Tri-State Tornado, an F5 that devastated eastern Missouri, Southern Illinois and Southwestern Indiana on March 18, 1925, stands out as a distinct statistical rarity and how it has remained the single deadliest tornado in history, even after decades of record keeping. The paper also touches on media coverage of the tornado at the time.
From the Paper "The week prior to the tragic date of March 18 was unusually warm across the Midwest. A cold front was expected to bring showers and thunderstorms and cooler temperatures from Canada. On the 18th, temperatures rose into the 70s, about 10 degrees warmer than normal for that time of year (NOAA News). Severe thunderstorms formed just behind the approaching cold front over southeast Missouri in the early afternoon. This cold-front helped create the tornado's parent thunderstorm that was centered over northwestern Arkansas, as shown in the Weather Bureau's daily weather map issued that morning. The same parent thunderstorm originally developed within a low pressure area that was centered over western Montana two days before the tornado hit (Potter)."
Abstract The paper reveals that tornadoes are one of nature's most powerful forces. The writer explores the strengths of a tornado, the type of damage it does and the steps that can be taken to warn communities of its possible arrival. The paper discusses the Doppler radar system that can detect a tornado while it is still in the sky, the tornado siren system and trained human storm chasers and spotters. The paper explains that one of the problems with tornadoes is their unpredictability, but as emergency management teams nation wide continue to improve, the public will become increasingly safer.
Outline:
Introduction
Damages
Assessment
Warning the Public
Conclusion
From the Paper "Out of all the natural disasters that can occur, tornadoes are often considered the most damaging and the most dangerous. While earthquakes are unpredictable, they have not developed a history in the United States of frequent occurrence or many deaths. Hurricanes, with the exception of Katrina usually provide enough advanced warning that the emergency management coordinators can provide notice to evacuate. Tornadoes, however, often strike with little or no warning and they can come in "swarms" during optimum weather conditions(Gugliotta, 2003)."
Abstract This paper looks at the natural phenomenon of tornadoes and provides an in-depth discussion about what causes them. It then discusses ways of warning people against tornadoes and precautions that can be taken. It finally examines tornado frequency over the years.
From the Paper ""Tornado" comes in English from a Spanish word "tornada" that means "thunderstorm". As defined by Nation Weather Service, a tornado is a "violently rotating column of air in contact with the ground and pendant from a thunderstorm". Tornadoes result when there is stuffiest amount of moisture in the atmosphere at lower and mid levels, and when this condition gets combined with warm unstable air that rises above due to a lifting force. Initially, there should be some reason to cause air to flow upwards and to contribute in the formation of a tornado. This happens due to the fact that warm air is considerably lighter in weight than cold air (Earthbulletin). The buoyant air is produced as atmosphere gets heated near the ground surface. The heated air, which is warm and light, begins to rise upward and if during this phenomenon, a thrust of cool air is met, it further instigates the upward motion of air and could possibly trigger a thunderstorm."
Abstract This paper explains that tornado observation and study date back more than three centuries. The author points out that the mechanism of a tornado is relatively simple when compared to the damage it does; a thunderstorm that has air pushed up into its storm over and over again provides the stage for tornado formation. The paper relates that, with storm chasers on the ground, airplanes in the sky, and current technology, the world knows more than ever before about the scariest natural disaster on earth.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Background
Mechanism
Conclusion
From the Paper "Tornadoes form during the updraft stage of a thunderstorm. The updraft air begins to rotate and when this rotation occurs it forms something called a vortex. Wind shear is when the wind speed changes and the direction and height change. Wind shear is what maintains the vortex formation. While this occurs the rising air and up currents that are inside the cloud flow move in direction of the wind. This can all happen many miles above the earth while those below are innocent to its formation."
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes the process of predicting tornadoes. The use of technologies such as Doppler radar and Optical Transient Detectors is discussed, as are meteorological indicators of tornado formation in supercell storms.
Abstract This paper discusses the feasibility of building a flying school near Denver, and the conditions for flying which are present in the region due to its proximity to Tornado Alley and the mountains.
From the Paper "Denver, Colorado lies on the edge of an area known as Tornado Alley which is the area where the most intense killer tornadoes are likely to occur. This is an area where F and F tornadoes have struck multiple times in the past. Some people consider Tornado Alley just the area where tornadoes have struck most frequently where multiple tornado touchdowns have occurred year after year. However in a super tornado outbreak took place in Georgia, Illinois; Indiana, Kentucky; Michigan, Mississippi; North, Carolina; Ohio, South Carolina and Tennessee ..."
Abstract The paper discusses the options that are available to companies to manage and prevent disasters whenever possible. The paper explains that developing advance-warning systems can prevent extensive loss to life and in some cases, precautionary measures can be undertaken to prevent damages to property. The paper also shows how the best defense humans have against natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes and storm is public awareness and offering the public sufficient time for evacuation. Some aerial photos are included with the paper.
Outline:
Introduction
Tornado Trend Analysis
Confirmation of Fatalities and Injuries
Estimation of Damage to Homes, Business & Infrastructure
Debris Removal for the Purpose of Regaining
Taking Care of the People Impacted by the Tornado Conclusion
From the Paper "The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) makes provisions for federal funds to be provided on a high priority basis to help mitigate hazards at local levels. In addition, the act also calls for identification and assessment of natural disasters that can disrupt the normal functioning of governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great severity. The act defines an "Emergency" as any occasion or instant for which, in the determination of the President, federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States. (FEMA.gov, 2003)"
From the Paper "The following research is on the subject of the tornado. A tornado is a storm that moves rapidly and leaves considerable destruction in its wake. This meteorological event happens several times each year in the continental United States, and the cost in life and property is usually high. The tornado is the msot violent weather phenomenon. The wind speed is greater than that in the worst tropical cyclone. The most affected American states are Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Iowa. In no other region of the world are the conditions so favorable to the formation of tornadoes, nor are they as frequent when they do occur. They usually occur in the spring and summer, accompanied by thunderstorms..
Tornadoes are revolving storms which turn counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. They have a small diameter and a ... "
Abstract This is an outline of plans for a new emergency management center in Ohio that would deal specifically with large-scale disasters. The topics covered include circumstances that would require the facility's use and possible alternate uses. The physical layout, location, size and space requirements of the facility are discussed in detail. Equipment requirements, the known local hazard potential in Columbus, the community and government requirements and a contingency plan are also included in this detailed proposal.
From the Paper "The facility must be located in an area, which is easily accessible to most people. It must be located in an area that has a less likely potential of being involved in a disaster itself. It should be convenient enough for personnel to reach in a disaster. It must be large enough to accommodate the facility. It should be far from railroad tracks, industrial plants, and congested areas of the city. For these reasons I am proposing that the facility be located on the Old Fort Hayes Army Encampment. The camp has been unused and has been in dis-repair for many years. It is located 1 mile from downtown and is easily accessible via Cleveland Avenue and I-71. It is not located near any known sources of potential disaster such as a dam, railroad, or river. It takes approximately 2-21/2 hours to reach from any point in the state. It contains enough ground to add future expansions as well. This would be an excellent site for the command center."
Tags: command, centralized, district, counties, disaster, proof, utilities, war, room, medical, planning, layout, logistic, underground, city, location, efficiency, columbus, tornados
Abstract This paper examines local, state and federal responsibility in maintaining emergency management services in preparation for natural disaster. A tornado is used as an example to demonstrate the varying levels of responsibility involved. An analysis of New York City's level of readiness is presented.
From the Paper "Emergency management departments throughout the nation train year round in preparation for natural disasters. The more prepared the emergency management operation is in any town the more prepared, protected and secure the town residents feel. Emergency management holds responsibilities at several government levels in any disaster. The local, state and federal emergency management teams work together to coordinate the most effective and thorough plan possible in the event a natural disaster occurs.
HYPOTEHTICAL TOWN SITUATION
In the event of a tornado in Pleasant Town USA the emergency management office has several avenues it must travel to ensure all of its responsibilities are met. The federal, state and local teams all have connections and interactions with each other when a natural disaster occurs. The extent of the involvement of the state and federal offices is directly dependent on the amount of damage being done by the natural disaster. If a tornado hit Pleasant Town USA several things would occur at each level.?"
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to describe, contrast, and compare the tropical cyclone, which can develop into a hurricane, and the tornado. Although the term "cyclone" is used also in popular parlance as a name for a tornado, this usage will be avoided here, since it would obviously be confusing. Cyclones and tornadoes are cyclonic phenomena, in that both consist of a mass of air that is whirling rapidly counterclockwise, but there are vast differences between them. The most important difference between the cyclone and the tornado is that the cyclone is a normal large-scale phenomenon--there are almost always cyclones somewhere within certain latitude belts of the northern hemisphere during many months of the year--but the tornado is a small-scale local phenomenon, and so inherently far more difficult to predict."
