Using drones to contribute to the understanding of tornadoes

The purpose of Tornadic Orbital Telemetry Observations [T.O.T.O.] is to record groundbreaking data in and around tornadoes by utilizing specially built and tuned long range UAVs equipped with TPRH (temperature, pressure, relative humidity) logging data sensors, precise GPS, 360 cameras to map the environment and dynamics of this deadly phenomenon.

Data from this project has to potential to improve three-dimensional models, increase reliability or prediction models, help build better structures to withstand tornadic winds, and increase lead time/accuracy of tornado warnings. Our understanding of tornadoes is still in its infancy. UAVs give us a new ability to see tornadoes like never before.

Why this is valuable

We still don’t know what triggers tornadoes to form. We don’t know why storms in identical environments produce and fail to produce tornadoes. Around 70% of tornado warnings in the US are false alarms.

We don’t take any taxpayer dollars. This project is fully funded by Twister Hunter Tours. By joining a tour or shopping on this website, you are contributing to this research project.