LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE TOLSA TORNADO

摘要

Early in the Tulsa storm's life (before 2321), several centers of cyclonic circulation were identified (Fig 3) . Each one formed along the right storm flank and possessed enough time and height continuity to be called a mesocyclone. Existing data suggest a series of rapidly developing updraft pulses within the same overall weak echo region/larger updraft zone. At 2321, a new cyclonic couplet was identified within the weak echo region at 8,000-12,000 ft height (Fig 4; panel 1). Note that the upward projection of the cyclonic shear location on the 6° elevation angle would place the developing circulation in the southern portion of what is likely a Bounded-Weak Echo-Region (BWER) on higher elevation angles (data above 6° not available). The downward projection of the developing circulation on the 0.5° elevation scan (Fig 4; panel 2) places it along a thin line of weak echo thought to indicate gust front location.