| Summary: | This thesis investigates severe local storms in the United Kingdom, specifically tornadoes, waterspouts and severe hailstorms. Reference is also made to the United Kingdom's place in the tornado climatology of Europe and some comparisons are made with the United States. Outline forecast guidance is then considered. A major part of this thesis was the development of computerised tornado, waterspout and severe hailstorm data for the United Kingdom, followed by the validation and verification of as much of the component information as was reasonably possible. A European tornado and waterspout data base was developed likewise. Events that have been reported during the research period have been added to ensure that the data bases are up-to-date. Tornado, waterspout and severe hailstorm climatologies for the United Kingdom are presented. The place of the United Kingdom in the tornado climatology of Europe is discussed and comparisons are made with the tornado climatology of the United States. From the climatologies and several case studies, the possibilities of prediction, detection and warning are considered in outline. It is very much hoped and intended that this research will perpetuate further and more detailed research, as well as development and education. To this end, the thesis concludes with an internet web site on severe weather in general, which has been developed in parallel with this research. The site, of the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation, includes questionnaires developed by the writer which have already proven very useful in attracting numerous new reports of severe weather and also in greater detail than before. The site also serves to increase the awareness of severe weather in the United Kingdom and Europe, as well as to educate visitors about it. The web site in particular lends itself to on-going development.
|
|---|
