The prediction, detection, and monitoring of tornadoes is one of the most important services provided by the meteorological profession. The timely issuance and dissemination of watches and warnings is critical to the protection of life and property. Improved forecasts, advances in warning technology and techniques, and enhancements in dissemination systems have contributed to a considerable decline in tornado deaths over the latter half of this century. This long-term trend is expected to continue, although it is recognized that under rare combinations of circumstances, even adequate warning may not prevent serious damage or multiple fatalities. Some insight on recent technological advances and recommendations for improving the warning system will also be discussed.
Tornadoes occur over a wide spectrum of strengths, sizes, and lifetimes.
On the other end of the tornado spectrum are strong and violent tornadoes. Such tornadoes may last for as little as 10 min to over 2 h in extreme cases and may be produced in cyclic fashion from the same thunderstorm. Watches serve to fine-tune forecast areas already identified in severe weather outlooks. Tornado warnings are issued for storms that are known to include or are thought highly likely to include a tornado. Warnings indicate a high probability of imminent danger.