The Dead Man: What is it?

Multivortex tornadoes are a type of tornado characterized by the presence of multiple smaller vortices (or subvortices) rotating around a common center within the larger parent tornado. These smaller vortices are essentially individual tornadoes within the broader tornado circulation. Unlike a single-vortex tornado, which has a continuous and relatively smooth funnel, a multivortex tornado exhibits a more complex and dynamic structure.

The smaller vortices in a multivortex tornado can vary in size and intensity. They often orbit around the central axis of the larger tornado, creating a visually striking appearance. The presence of multiple vortices can enhance the destructive potential of the tornado, as the combined effect of these smaller circulations can cause more widespread and intense damage.

Sometimes these storms are referred to as "dead men walking" because of how these multiple vortices appear.

One of the most well known examples of a dead man walking is the infamous 1997 Jarrell Texas tornado.

The Jarrell, Texas tornado, often referred to as the "Dead Man Walking" tornado, was a devastating tornado that struck the town of Jarrell on May 27, 1997. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak of severe weather that affected central Texas. The Jarrell tornado is notable for its strength and the destruction it caused. It was ranked as an EF5 on the Fujita scale with estimated wind speeds of over 200 MPH. Its lifespan was relatively short, only traveling for approximately 7 miles and lasting for only 30 minutes.

The tornado caused significant destruction to Jarrel and resulted in the loss of 27 lives.

The mysterious dead man of Belvade IA

On December 10, 2005 my county experienced a storm like no other. We too had our own dead man walking, and I was fortunate enough to get to chase it for the time it was on the ground.

I couldn't get any pcitures the night I chased it, so here's a photograph from the last time it was allegedly spotted two years ago.

They say a tornado like this visits Belvade county often, but this is the first time I've ever seen it. I need to know more about it, if it does come back I need to go chase it again.