High Resolution Observation of a Small Tornado, Ardmore, New Zealand

The University of Auckland Atmospheric Physics Group has operated mobile X-band radars for two decades. On 25 June 2005 the radar observed a small (F0) multiple tornado system passing over Ardmore in South Auckland. Reflectivity data from the tornadoes are of sufficiently high resolution to discern the wall structure and eye, track the tornadoes' path and estimate the rotational velocity of the tornado and hence the core pressure drop. The additional value of radar at very high spatial and temporal resolution is illustrated.