Tornado ⋅ Page 1

Sea Change

Pacific Ocean temperatures influence tornado activity in U.S.

A SNR researcher has found that the temperature of the Pacific Ocean could help scientists predict the type and location of tornado activity in the United States.

Ahead of the Storm

MU-trained meteorologists issued the most critical warnings of 2011

On April 27, 2011, a massive tornado outbreak, considered the worst natural disaster since Hurricane Katrina, saw more than 100 tornadoes rip destruction from Louisiana through Pennsylvania, killing 346 people. Less than a month later, on May 22, what is considered the seventh worst tornado in American history, and the 27th most violent twister in world history, tore into the…

Midwest’s Perfect Storm

Atmospheric scientists use history and modern meteorology to detail the cause and damage of the 11/11/11 weather disaster

One hundred years ago this Nov. 11, probably the most sudden and dangerous cold blast in American history occurred. Patrick Market and a student team in MU atmospheric sciences have studied the science and devastation of the Great Blue Norther of 11/11/11.

Missouri Journalists Chronicle the Storm

In 1911, rural Missouri had no television or even radio. Citizens got their news daily or weekly from their community newspaper. It was through these newspapers that Missourians learned details about the devestating storm.

Award Winning Forecast

SNR graduate recognized for warning Joplin before tornado

Eric Wise, SNR Class of 2002 and weather forecaster for the National Weather Service in Springfield, Mo., was awarded the Operational Achievement Individual Award by the National Weather Association for his expert analysis that provided more than 20 minutes of warning time for the city devastated by an EF-5 rated tornado on May 22, 2011.

A Calmer Tornado Alley

Climate phenomenon may push super-cell thunderstorms to northern plains

Tornado Alley, the swath of prairie from Texas through Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri famous for twisters, may see a largely calm tornado season this year.

Who Are the Tornado Tourists?

A research study seeks to understand a small but growing tourism niche

Like big game hunting guides giving tourists a glimpse of African lions, a growing group of commercial storm chasing companies are providing people from all over the world a close look at tornadoes. Gaining in popularity since the movie Twister in 1996, these tours have become a regular part of Tornado Alley, following super cell storms and hoping to see a tornado.

A Stormy Forecast

Spring Storm Season May be unusually Active, Says MU Atmospheric Sciences Researcher

The upcoming storm season could be more active than usual in Tornado Alley, according to a University of Missouri atmospheric sciences professor. Tony Lupo, department chair and professor of MU atmospheric science, said that the upcoming weather pattern resembles that of the turbulent 2002-2003 season when 109 tornadoes swept across Missouri – one of the worst seasons on record. Then,…

Ready for the storm

Campus Weather Service helps make MU "storm ready"

Students in the Department of Soils, Environmental and Atmospheric Sciences are working to make MU the first university in mid-Missouri to become certified as “storm ready” by the National Weather Service (NWS).