 |
You can use your television set (or AM radio) as a tornado detector.
|
 |
In theory, yes, but in real life NO.
|
Known as the Weller Method
when used in the 60's and early 70's, it was possible to detect tornadoes
using the TV or the AM radio. The theory is that severe thunderstorms
which contain a tornado will also contain large amounts of lightning.
The user was to turn the television to channel 13, turn down the brightness
till the screen was almost black then switch to channel 2. As the
tornado developed, the lightning intensity would increase to a point
that would cause the screen to turn bright white since channel 2 is
near the same frequency as the signal produced by the lightning and
would override the brightness control. (Using the radio, the static
would become continuous at 55MHz, on the low end on the dial).
While this method can work, this is absolutely NOT foolproof because...
- Research has shown that tornadoes can (and do) form when the parent
cloud contains little lightning. Conversely, not all thunderstorms
which contain a large amount of lightning will always produce
a tornado.
- Some television sets are designed with filters to prevent this from happening.
- Many people now have cable. If you do, this will not work.
This method produces far too many false alarms in the detection of tornadoes
and also misses many of the tornadoes that do form. IT
IS NOT RELIABLE AND SHOULD NOT BE USED.
If a tornado threatens, follow these safety rules...
|
 |
In homes and small buildings, go to an interior part of the lowest level such as closets, bathrooms or interior halls. Get under something sturdy.
|
 |
Don't even think about trying to escape from a tornado in your vehicle. Cars want to fly in tornadoes and they do not make very good airplanes. Your are much, much safer in your house.
|
 |
Avoid windows, doors and outside walls.
|
 |
Leave trailers and mobile homes and get into substantial shelter. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or ravine with your hands shielding your head.
|
|
 |
The National Weather Service reminds you to
BE WEATHERWISE...NOT OTHERWISE
|
 |
www.weather.gov 
