Damage Analysis and Close-Range Radar Observations of the 13 April 2019 Greenwood Springs, Mississippi, Tornado during VORTEX-SE Meso18-19

Abstract A tornado outbreak occurred across the Southeast United States on 13–14 April 2019, during Verification of Origins Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment–Southeast (VORTEX-SE) Meso18-19 experiment. Among most noteworthy events was a pair large tornadoes Monroe County, Mississippi, near Columbus Air Force Base (GWX) Weather Surveillance Radar–1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). The second tornado, Greenwood Springs community, formed within “no data” region radar and passed about 900 m to its east, rapidly strengthening into an intense tornado. This produced forest devastation electrical infrastructure damage up at least EF4 intensity. maximum radial velocity from GWX 81.5 s ?1 (182 mph) resolution volume centered 56 (183 ft) above level. paper presents survey compares this assessment data. displacement velocity, despite beam sampling <100 ARL, is documented, as well other likely effects debris loading by observed signatures. observations are placed context with past mobile studies illustrate unique nature dataset. relationship between data observations, implications for structure rough terrain land cover, use intensity estimation discussed. Significance Statement study showcases forested Mississippi. formation 1 km WSR-88D allowed near-surface be collected significant tree destruction occurring. velocities below 60 level (ARL), canopy top, exceeded 80 . Tree patterns were complicated while severe notably displaced highest radar-observed velocities, low 45 ARL. These findings highlight challenges utilizing estimate structure, particularly relatively high surface roughness.