NDM-505: DEVELOPMENT OF THE ASCE/SEI STANDARD FOR THE ESTIMATION OF TORNADO WIND SPEEDS

Development of the new ASCE/SEI consensus standard for wind speed estimation in tornadoes began in 2014 and is currently underway. The intent of the new standard is to standardize the methods used to estimate the wind speeds in tornadoes including improvements and expansions for the damaged-based Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale), with potential to extend the scope of the standard to include other windstorms. The standard will include sections on the EF Scale, radar measurements, tree fall pattern analysis, data archives, forensic engineering analysis, in-situ measurements (anemometry), and remote-sensing applications. Users of the standard will include wind, structural and forensic engineers, meteorologists, climatologists, forest biologists, risk analysts, hazards modellers, emergency managers, building and infrastructure designers, the insurance industry, and the media. The standard is intended for adoption by the National Weather Service and for use by storm study teams and researchers as a guide for conducting storm surveys and analysis of storm data. Development of the standard highlights the current state-of-the art in wind speed estimation and also identifies areas where new research is needed. Development of the standard will include a public ballot period. The standard is scheduled to be completed in 2019

OVERVIEW OF THE 24 MAY 2011 TORNADO OUTBREAK

ABSTRACT On 24 May 2011, 12 tornadoes impacted different parts of the state of Oklahoma. Three of these tornadoes were violent and impacted the greater Oklahoma City-metro area. The highlight of the event was the low death toll given the violent tornadoes proximity to dense populations. Damage surveys following the event revealed a number of stories from impacted citizens of a heightened awareness to the weather, even with limited information of the on-going threat. This presentation will provide an overview of the event, the proceeding damage surveys, stories from impacted citizens and other highlights of the event, including collection of mobile radar data on two of the day's tornadoes