Characterization of tornadoes through post-storm image analysis

A rigorous method of estimating near-surface tornadic wind speed using tree-fall patterns is currently being developed. The current damage assessment guidance favors structural-based definition and it is extremely difficult to obtain in-situ measurement. Tree-fall model uses the Rankine vortex model to simulate the tree-fall patterns and compare to the observed pattern. The tree-fall model can be applied to many different tornado cases and generate tornado wind field as an independent comparison to the structural damage.