Tornado in the City of Blagoveshchensk on July 31, 2011

Abstract

The paper present description of the environmental conditions that favored the tornado event in the city of Blagoveshchensk at about 19:00 local time on July 31, 2011 as well as the tornado characteristics. The tornado was formed near the center of the city, then crossed it and caused significant damage. The tornado is classified in EF2 category of the Enhanced Fujita-Pearson scale. Atmospheric conditions near Blagoveshchensk on July 31, 2011 were favorable for the tornado initiation which occurred in the frontal zone of the cyclone over the warm underlying surface. The analysis of meteorological conditions during the tornado event are presented. A numerical study of the tornado was conducted to clarify its characteristics and environmental conditions during the event.