How does NTP detect and characterize tornadoes?
NTP has a multi-step process for detecting, assessing and documenting tornadoes and publishing results.
NTP field teams are trained and ready to respond at a moment's notice from three different locations across Canada - London ON, Winnipeg MB and Olds AB. Tornado / downburst damage potential outlooks are created by NTP and sent to the teams to ensure they are prepared. Once potentially severe storms occur, they are tracked using available radar. NTP follows up on any reports of wind damage or visual sightings of tornadoes (usually via social media).
Ground survey teams are deployed once an area of significant wind damage has been identified. The team will use an app to collect photos and information from the ground and also typically collect drone imagery (resolution less than 2 cm) in the area of interest. While ground surveying activities are underway, other team members scour satellite imagery (resolution 3-5 m) to map out the extent of damage and determine if other unreported damage exists nearby.
In events with significant damage that cannot be fully sampled by drone, aircraft-based aerial imagery (resolution 5 cm) can be collected, usually some time after the event. A preliminary classification (typically tornado or downburst) and rating (using the EF-scale) is usually determined shortly after the event.
NTP then undertakes a more thorough investigation incorporating all collected data to determine a final classification and rating. This typically takes from weeks to months, depending how quickly all data are received and analyzed.
The last step is publishing the results of our investigation, via our NTP blog, NTP Dashboard, and social media channels (Bluesky and Facebook). All of the collected data sets are open access, though commercial users need to contact us at ntp@uwo.ca for data licensing.
