Poll: Should we approach NZ media about mini-tornadoes?

[Andrew Massie]

Here's our chance to get something done about it!

Kind Regards

Andrew

[Manukau heads obs]

and what about a poll about if you lost your dog in the tornado, LOL
(see the comments posted here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4730293a11.html
)
also one for if you were awake at the time (3am), surprising how many people were!

[David]

Good to see the mini word is not in the stuff.co.nz story (well if they did it's been changed now). NZ Herald are still culprits however.

I'm not too bothered by it as some are, I'm sure we all know what it means when the media report it. I wonder if the reason they use 'mini' is that if they just say 'tornado' viewers/readers may associate this with typical tornadoes seen on TV (ie american type strength)?

[Philip Duncan]

David I totally agree with you. It's a term that many in here find frustrating due to it being 'technically' wrong... people I've asked think a "mini tornado" is basically a downburst or squall (which they usually are when the media cover them and call them 'mini tornados'). The word Tornado definitely conjures up the big funnel clouds we see in America. The media are often blamed for over hyping things so perhaps they are being cautious here?

[TonyT]

I somehow doubt anyone in Cambridge today who had their trees uprooted, roofs embedded in trees or cars dented would consider it a mini event in their lives, a mini issue for their insurers, or a mini inconvenience. It wasnt a mini story on Stuff or NZ Herald.co.nz either. So why should it be a mini tornado? Does the journalist who wrote the story work for a mini newspaper just because the paper is not as big as newspapers we hear about in the US?

[spwill]

The word Tornado definitely conjures up the big funnel clouds we see in America. The media are often blamed for over hyping things so perhaps they are being cautious here?

Many Tornado's in the US will be similar to this Cambridge Tornado.

I dont mind the term mini Tornado as the NZ public seem to have an understanding of what is meant.

[Storm Struck]

So if a tornado like todays one in Cambridge is classed as mini in New Zealand terms not US, i would hate to think what our normal sized tornado's consist of and just where does the line get cut?.
The tornado's of Greymouth 2005,Waimate 2006,Tai Tapu 2002, and Taranaki 2006 were not rated as mini tornado's on the media from memory.
Why even rate a tornado in comparison with another country over the other side of the world with different landmarks, oppisite windspeed direction etc when we can class a tornado in our own New Zealand terms.
There was a disscussion in the UK forums about this and they too dont agree with the mini term so we are not alone.
How about a small tornado of F0-F1 rated, ripped through the suburb of Cambridge today.
Cheers
Jason.

[Manukau heads obs]

yes, thats what I would like to know, how are the media doing the cut off from being a mini to not?
some great photos on Phillips web site

[spwill]

how are the media doing the cut off from being a mini to not?

Was it small or large ?
Proper Tornado rating tends to happen well after the event becomes news

[Nev]

I thought TV One's rather 'extensive' story tonight was a little more balanced than usual. Apart from the headline leads, I think the reporter only used the term 'mini-tornado' twice, and that was when quoting. One guy interviewed said...

If that's what they call a mini tornado, then I'd hate to see a real one!

[Philip Duncan]

yes, thats what I would like to know, how are the media doing the cut off from being a mini to not?
some great photos on Phillips web site

I think they just aren't used to tornados (that are real ones and not just downbursts...if you know what I mean?). They assume it's a 'mini-tornado' most likely from people like the police/fire service/locals.

Definitely wasn't a mini-tornado. Our site estimates it was an F0 or F1 which we explained in any interviews today. Perhaps it's time I started explaining to the Enhanced Fujiti scale - thanks for your help with that Nev.

[mikestormchaser]

Yeah i was up about 6 30 to watch breakfast this morning and was watching it, i do get sick of the word mini myself.
anything to me on the fugita scale is not mini.
and they compare it to the midwest " america" witch again like some people have said.. they shouldnt!! so id say yes on the poll thanks!

[gllitz]

/rant
This is just absolutely ridiculous...WHERE in ANY official meteorological publication is there the term "mini-tornado"....hmmm...wait for it.....NONE!!!!!!!! Just do a Google on the term and you will find the first 3 pages are for NZ only!!!! And in MEDIA sites as well....AGGGH!!! Why?? 'Cuz it's the MEDIA who use the term....it's a MADE-UP TERM FOR THEM!!
Time for action...call these people who use the term to task...
Anyone who has been affected by a tornado, or seen one up close and personal (Foggy!?!?!!!!) will definitely say there is nothing "mini" about them...
I'm over this debate...time to put an end to it....
/end rant....

[Paul Mallinson]

Well I don't like the term 'mini' either! If it is small and it doesn't do much damage, why can't it be referred to as 'a weak tornado'. I think it would be a good idea that this group send a message about this to various media.
How do I register my vote to do so on your poll Andrew?

Paul

[Paul Mallinson]

OK. I see how.

Paul

[Philip Duncan]

I'm happy to talk to the Newstalk ZB news editor if you like? And will try to educate people where I can.