Patent ID: 7917291

Claim:
A computer system for predicting current tornado activity comprising: (a) a processor that receives model data from a meteorological data source for a first time period and a second time period indicative of tornadic activity, wherein said first time period is prior to the current time and said second time period is subsequent to the current time; (b) wherein said processor generates a first time period model data tornado potential index based on forecast data and a second time period model data tornado potential index based on forecast data using said model data; (c) wherein said processor generates a current time model data tornado potential index by combining said first time period model data tornado potential index and said second time period model data tornado potential index; (d) wherein said processor receives radar data indicative of tornadic activity from a radar source; (e) wherein said processor generates a radar data tornado potential index using weighted values assigned to different components of said radar data, wherein said components of said radar data comprise, a tornado vortex signature (TVS) data value, a mesocyclonic activity (MESO) data value, a precipitation and intensity (dBz) data value, a vertically integrated liquid (VIL) data value, and hail size data value; (f) wherein said processor generates a composite tornado potential index using weighted values of said current time model data tornado potential index and said radar data tornado potential index; and (g) wherein said processor stores said composite tornado potential index in a computer readable data storage media located within said computer system.