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For Release: June 8, 2000

Media Advisory: 00-187
 

Attention: News Department
Audio from NASA
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Experts find direct link between lightning flash rates and tornadoes; space research may improve severe weather predictions, save lives

  • The goals: More precise severe storm forecasts equal earlier warnings equal saving lives.
  • NASA’s Lightning Imaging Sensor onboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission satellite tracks lightning strikes and their relationship to storms worldwide.
  • Research shows direct ties between dramatically increased cloud-to-cloud lightning flash rates before tornadoes form. Nearly a dozen cases show a connection.
  • The findings may help weather forecasters predict developing tornadoes more accurately and lower the number of false alarms.
  • Talk to a lightning expert about the research and how it could affect weather predictions.

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