preprints.org > environmental and earth sciences > atmospheric science and meteorology > doi: 10.20944/preprints201811.0547.v2

Preprint Article Version 2 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Version 1 : Received: 21 November 2018 / Approved: 22 November 2018 / Online: 22 November 2018 (13:50:22 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 25 November 2018 / Approved: 26 November 2018 / Online: 26 November 2018 (10:02:42 CET)

This paper contributes to the understating of tornadoes in South Africa using case study analysis. In South Africa tornadoes are the recurring phenomenon (the climatology) but so far they have received less attention. Damages from storms itself (tornadoes inclusive) are significant in South Africa relative to other weather-related disasters for example floods, heat waves, and droughts. For their understanding, a case study approach was adopted in the current study. Data were in courtesy of the following, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Centers for Environmental Predictions (NCEP), Eumetsat Germany, and South African Weather Service (SAWS). The aim of the study was to provide an overview of the occurrence of tornadoes in South Africa using a Klerksdorp tornado, which occurred on March 4, 2007, Northwest Province in South Africa. From the case study analysis, the tornado was associated with the cold front and cut-off low (both are extratropical circulation) which were the dominant weather systems of the day. Therefore we conclude that, a case study approach may be the best way to study events of these nature for a more informed decision, for example, issuing an early warning system. In future, case studies, for example, involving interaction between extratropical and tropical circulation will also be an interesting study.

Tornadoes; CAPE; Overview; Case Study; Klerksdorp; South Africa

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science and Meteorology

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