The TDN Probe V1 is TornadoData.Net’s primary deployable surface science instrument. Weighing approximately 60 lbs with a 2 inch thick solid steel base plate, the Probe V1 is designed to be placed directly in the path of an approaching tornado and remain anchored while collecting surface level wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, and debris impact data. Instrumented with a 200 mph rated Inspeed WS28P anemometer, Inspeed E-Vane wind direction sensor, BME280 atmospheric sensor, and MPU6050 debris impact tracker, the Probe V1 collects data that radar simply cannot provide… ground truth measurements from inside the storm itself.
FAQs
What does the V1 TDN Probe measure?
The TDN Probe V1 measures surface wind speed, wind direction, barometric pressure, temperature, humidity, and debris impact forces — providing a complete ground level atmospheric profile during tornado passage.
How is the probe kept in place during a tornado?
The Probe V1 relies on its approximately 60 lb steel base plate combined with four ground spikes for stability. The majority of the weight is concentrated in a 2 inch thick solid steel base plate sitting at ground level, giving it an extremely low center of gravity that resists tipping under extreme wind loading.
How is data recovered after deployment?
Data is logged continuously to onboard storage throughout the deployment. After the storm passes the probe is physically retrieved and data is extracted directly from the instrument.
What wind speeds can the Probe V1 survive?
The Probe V1 is rated for direct tornado intercept. It is designed for extreme tornadic environments of 150+ MPH. The instruments themselves including the Inspeed WS28P anemometer are rated to 200 mph.
How is the probe deployed?
The Probe V1 is hand deployed by a crew member ahead of an approaching storm. Deployment takes under 60 seconds. A red LED strobe warning light activates during deployment to alert other road users to the probe’s presence.
What makes the Probe V1’s data scientifically valuable?
Surface level in-situ measurements during tornado passage are extraordinarily rare. Most tornado data comes from radar or post-storm damage surveys, neither captures what is actually happening at ground level in real time. Every Probe V1 deployment produces data that cannot be obtained any other way.