Observing Tornadoes with the OTUS Project

Guests: Nelson & Louis Tucker

When it comes to tornadoes, getting close is both the goal and the danger. For decades, scientists have relied on radar, storm chasers, and ground-based instruments to study these violent storms. But what if we could send something right into the heart of a developing tornado? Maybe something small, nimble, and packed with sensors? That’s the mission behind the OTUS Project. Using cutting-edge drone technology, this team is pushing the boundaries of what we can safely and accurately observe from inside tornadic storms. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re joined by members of the OTUS Project to talk about how UAVs are changing the way we study tornadoes, what it’s like to deploy them in the field, and how this data could lead to better forecasts and ultimately, save lives.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Introduction to the Otus Project
2. 01:37 Personal Journeys into Meteorology
3. 06:12 Understanding Tornadoes: The Need for Data
4. 10:17 Drone Technology in Tornado Research
5. 14:59 A Day in the Life of a Tornado Chase
6. 19:39 Challenges and Risks in the Field
7. 21:32 First Experiences Inside a Tornado
8. 24:50 Collaborations and Data Sharing
9. 26:34 Measuring Wind Inside Tornadoes
10. 30:19 Choosing Storms and Navigating Obstacles
11. 32:12 Regulatory Hurdles and Networking
12. 34:17 Future Aspirations for the Otus Project

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