Marshall Radio: NASA scientist: Lightning studies may provide earlier tornado alerts

Media Advisory: 00-187

• The goals: More precise severe storm forecasts equal earlier
  warnings equal saving lives.

• NASA’s Lightning Imaging Sensor onboard the Tropical Rainfall
  Measuring Mission satellite tracks lightning strikes and their
  relationship to storms worldwide.

• Research shows direct ties between dramatically increased
  cloud-to-cloud lightning flash rates before tornadoes form.
  Nearly a dozen cases show a connection.

• The findings may help weather forecasters predict developing
  tornadoes more accurately and lower the number of false
  alarms.

• Talk to a lightning expert about the research and how it could
  affect weather predictions.
  

                              Who: 
                                                             Sound bites–varying lengths
                              How: 
                                                             Call (256) 544-6397 (NEWS) or
                                                             Download direct via the Web at:
                                                             http://www.msfc.nasa.gov/news 
                              For extended interviews
                              more information: 
                                                             PAO NAME, Media Relations
                                                             (256) 544-0034 
  

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