Researchers log 1 tornado in experiment

A project touted as the largest attempt ever to study tornadoes has finished the first phase of its research.

Monday, June 15th 2009, 11:41 am

By: News 9

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) -- A project touted as the largest attempt ever to study tornadoes has finished the first phase of its research.
   About 120 researchers spent the past five weeks seeking out tornadoes across the Midwest through the Verification of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment 2, or Vortex2.
   Scientist Don Burgess says the group was disappointed that it only was able to record one tornado, but the research will still be useful when compared with non-tornadic storms.
   The $11.9 million project is based out of the National Weather Service office in Norman. It is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Science Foundation, 10 universities and three nonprofit organizations.
   The second phase of the Vortex2 experiment is planned next year.