University researcher swaps Sheffield for storm chasing

A researcher from the University of Sheffield is contributing to the world´s largest project to explore the origins and impact of one of the most deadly forms of extreme weather - the tornado. Jacqui Wilmshurst, a PhD student from the University of Sheffield´s Department of Psychology, is part of a team of researchers working on the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornados Experiment 2 (VORTEX2) which is tracking tornados in the USA to understand more about their origins and the effects they have on the communities which are at risk of being devastated by them. The experiment, which is sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), involves nearly 100 scientists and students from over 16 different institutions, as well as forecasters from the National Weather Service in America. The results from the experiment, which lasts until 13 June 2009, will aim to increase the accuracy and timeliness of tornado forecasts and warnings. As the only social scientist on the project, Jacqui is involved with gathering data about community attitudes to extreme weather. This involves spending time with local people as frequently as possible and gathering information on a range of themes such as storm experiences, attitudes to extreme weather, perceptions of and attitudes towards forecasters and the media, and how people make decisions in order to keep themselves safe. The experiment will see the team travel around the Central Plains following storms.