Automatic Tornado Prediction with an Improved Mesocyclone-Detection Algorithm

摘要

A new and improved algorithm for automatic mesocyclone detection is presented andtested on 23 mesocyclonic storms. A small false-alarm rate (4%) and high probability of detection (83%) are achieved for mesocyclone classification. A unique innovation of the algorithm is the automatic assessment of mesocyclone tornado potential. This is accomplished using excess rotational kinetic energy (ERKE), a form of rotational kinetic energy that is tailored for mesocyclonic