A tornadic vortex signature, abbreviated TVS, is a Pulse-Doppler radar weather radar detected rotation algorithm that indicates the likely presence of a strong mesocyclone that is in some stage of tornadogenesis.

What forecasting tool is a tornado vortex signature found?

NSSL researchers discovered the Tornado Vortex Signature (TVS), a Doppler radar velocity pattern that indicates a region of intense concentrated rotation. The TVS appears on radar several kilometers above the ground before a tornado touches ground.

What is the vortex of a tornado?

The central vortex of a tornado is typically about 328.1 ft (100 m) in diameter. ... The air around the vortex is pulled into this low pressure zone where it expands and cools rapidly. This causes water droplets to condense from the air, making the outlines of the vortex visible as the characteristic funnel shaped cloud.