Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog

F5: a book review

Posted by: Dr. Jeff Masters, 13:28 GMT le 13 juin 2007

F5: Devastation, Survival, and the Most Violent Tornado Outbreak of the 20th Century tells a story from the world's most violent tornado outbreak on record--the April 4, 1974 Super Outbreak. The Super Outbreak featured the most tornadoes ever recorded in a single day, 148, and also had an unprecedented number of violent F4 and F5 tornadoes--six F5 tornadoes and 24 F4 tornadoes (for comparison, the past five years have had one F5 tornado and 15 F4 tornadoes.)

The book has some excellent material discussing the "how" of tornado formation, plus an entire chapter on the life and pioneering research done by tornado researcher Dr. Theodore Fujita (Dr. Tornado). Author Mark Levine definitely did his homework, talking to many of the leading tornado researchers while writing the book. However, F5 is primarily focused on the people who lived in Limestone County, Alabama--a rural area 20 miles west of Huntsville. We get an in-depth portrayal of the lives of about 30 residents affected by the tornado before, during, and after the storm. Many chapters are spent building up to the tornadoes, painting a detailed picture of what life was like in rural Alabama for these people in the early 1970s. Levine is a gifted writer, and for those interested in the human dimensions of this great tornado disaster, this book is for you. Also, readers who appreciate poetry (the author has written three books of poems, will enjoy Levine's flowery, wordy descriptions:

The fear instilled by tornadoes, and the fascination with them, is beyond rational accounting; they are the weather watcher's equivalent of charismatic megafauna. Their aura is not difficult to fathom. Descending suddenly, menacingly, and without reliable warning, the tornado serves as a near-primal expression of the mysterious and fraught relationship between individuals and the skies above them.

The book has some rather astounding "truth is stranger than fiction" passages. The eyewitness descriptions by the survivors of their horrifying moments flying through the roaring debris-filled air as a monstrous F-5 tornado rips through their homes are particularly riveting. The most amazing part about the events in Limestone County that night was that TWO violent tornadoes--an F4 and an F5--ripped through several hours apart, hitting some of the exact same places. Levine paints a harrowing and unforgettable picture of what it was like to live through the terror of the two tornadoes. Another excerpt:

What Jerry saw was strange and wondrous. Clouds were riding across open fields to the west, moving just like clouds do across the sky. As the clouds passed a steel TVA tower, it snapped out of the ground, and began rolling across the field. A moment later, a second tower was toppled. To Jerry, the scene resembled something out of a cartoon, with the 120-foot high girders skipping like tumbleweeds.

What I didn't like about the book
While F5 is well written and absolutely fascinating in sections, I thought the book was too verbose and took too long to get to the action. I found myself skipping over some sections. The book also introduced too many characters to follow, and I got confused about who was whom. One of my many character flaws is a disinterest in poetry, and I found that the dense, flowery, poetic language of Levine interfered with my desire to see the story moved forward and straightforward science to be presented. The tornadoes don't start their rampage through Limestone County until page 119 of this long, 276-page book, which was too long to wait for my impatient blood. If you want to read a fast-paced true-life tornado drama, pick up a copy of Nancy Mathis' excellent book Storm Warning, about the May 3, 1999 Oklahoma City tornado, which I reviewed earlier this year.

Overall, I give F5 2.5 stars out of 4. If you're a poetry fan, this book deserves a higher rating. F5 was published in May 2007, and is $17.13 at amazon.com.

I'll be back Friday with my bi-monthly 2-week outlook for hurricane season. The tropics are quiet, and the models are forecasting conditions will remain quiet into next week.

Jeff Masters

Categories: Book and Movie Reviews

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1501. Drakoen 21:54 GMT le 14 juin 2007
the upper level low is over the yucatan the SFC low is due east of cozumel. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1503. kmanislander 21:56 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Drak, Look at the WV loop. The ULL already extends beyond the Yucatan into the Caribbean in so far as the coverage of its circulation goes Member Since: 19 août 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 14939

1504. Drakoen 21:56 GMT le 14 juin 2007
a SFC is affected by what happens in the upper levels of the atmosphere as far as the convection associated with the SFC low. You can tell the difference between them by looking at the 850mb and compare it too the 500mb. the 850mb will show the SFC low and the 500 mb will show the upper level low. as you can see our system is still being affected by shear. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1505. Drakoen 21:57 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Posted By: sammywammybamy at 9:55 PM GMT on June 14, 2007. I am confused the Low level circulation is over the water, right and the upper level Low is over land? yes thats correct. Posted By: kmanislander at 9:56 PM GMT on June 14, 2007. Drak, Look at the WV loop. The ULL already extends beyond the Yucatan into the Caribbean in so far as to coverage of its circulation goes something has to give... Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1506. TheRingo 21:58 GMT le 14 juin 2007
I see the circulation just to the west of the caymans.

1507. Drakoen 21:59 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Posted By: TheRingo at 9:58 PM GMT on June 14, 2007. I see the circulation just to the west of the caymans. yes thats the upper level low.... the upper level low is extremely close to the SFC Low. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1508. kmanislander 21:59 GMT le 14 juin 2007
yes I understand that but most everyone is looking at the vis and IR sat images and drawing conclusions that what they are seeing is due to the surface low. I do not believe the surface low ( such as it is ) is nearly as robust as the images would otherwise lead one to believe Member Since: 19 août 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 14939

1509. SWFLdrob 22:01 GMT le 14 juin 2007
anyone have a zoomed in visible loop of the system in the NW Caribbean? can't seem to find one that clearly shows the low-level feature, but most of the things I'm looking at are not overly zoomed in. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

1510. kmanislander 22:01 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Anyway I will wait for the QS pass this evening Member Since: 19 août 2006 Posts: 0 Comments: 14939

1511. TexasRiverRat 22:02 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Daisetta, Liberty County. Funnel cloud, reported by law enforcement. Liberty co sheriff reports funnel cloud off FM 770 moving northeast.

1512. Drakoen 22:03 GMT le 14 juin 2007
look at the 850 mb you will see something near Cozumel. everyone jsut showing where the low is. All of the moisture is associate with borad area of low pressure. The next QuickSat should show us the low. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1513. ClearH2OFla 22:07 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Drak What is the Possiblility of both of these areas on the CMC passing over Florida, Either one south and the other central

1514. TheRingo 22:08 GMT le 14 juin 2007
look at the convergence.

1515. WPBHurricane05 22:09 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Think I found the circulation..... Member Since: 31 juillet 2006 Posts: 56 Comments: 7929

1516. hurricane23 22:10 GMT le 14 juin 2007
000 ABNT20 KNHC 142122 TWOAT TROPICAL WEATHER OUTLOOK NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL 530 PM EDT THU JUN 14 2007 FOR THE NORTH ATLANTIC...CARIBBEAN SEA AND THE GULF OF MEXICO... A LARGE AREA OF CLOUDINESS AND SHOWERS OVER THE NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA IS ASSOCIATED WITH A BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE. UPPER-LEVEL WINDS REMAIN UNFAVORABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT. TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS. $$ FORECASTER BEVEN Member Since: 14 mai 2006 Posts: 8 Comments: 13277

1517. Drakoen 22:10 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Posted By: ClearH2OFla at 10:07 PM GMT on June 14, 2007. Drak What is the Possiblility of both of these areas on the CMC passing over Florida, Either one south and the other central the upper level low should follow the moisture as it works its way to South Florida. The a secondary section of the same low will "drop of" and cross over an area a little more to the north than the first one. Everything moving north should be moving in the general direction of Florida because of the upper level trough. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1518. Drakoen 22:10 GMT le 14 juin 2007
lol hurricane23 we know. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1519. Drakoen 22:11 GMT le 14 juin 2007
wpb that not the low. the low is near Cozumel east of it near the upper level low. Look at the 850 mb vorticy. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1520. COHurricanes2007 22:12 GMT le 14 juin 2007
They are soooooo conservative

1521. WPBHurricane05 22:12 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Thats where I saw circulation, will re-evaluate. Member Since: 31 juillet 2006 Posts: 56 Comments: 7929

1523. stormpetrol 22:13 GMT le 14 juin 2007
WPB, That is the same thing I was looking at, it clearly has a spin to it don't know if its down to the surface or not. Member Since: 29 avril 2007 Posts: 0 Comments: 6404

1524. Drakoen 22:13 GMT le 14 juin 2007
that could be a secondary vortex but that does not mean that it is at the surface. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1525. Bamatracker 22:14 GMT le 14 juin 2007
WPB...where to you get that close of an image with that quality. I only have the NOAA sight and you can't get that close Member Since: 17 mai 2006 Posts: 6 Comments: 1364

1527. ClearH2OFla 22:15 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Thanks Drak, Whats up adrian, Just looked at the CMC rainfall and its showing a possiblity of 40 cm or 16 in in central florida. I dont see how that would even be possible

1528. nash28 22:15 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Hi all. Anything going on with the Carribean disturbance? Just got home from the oral surgeon. I have surgery tomorrow. Drinking lots of beer tonight since I can't eat anyways.... Member Since: 11 juillet 2005 Posts: 190 Comments: 16972

1529. Drakoen 22:15 GMT le 14 juin 2007
yes that is possible it has a defined circulation and is more evident on the Satellite loop. At any rate we knwo fro sure that if the rotation was there it would cross of the cuba. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1530. drusierDMD 22:16 GMT le 14 juin 2007
what does convergence tell us? i would guess it means "clouds coming together forming larger systems" am i close?

1531. Drakoen 22:17 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Posted By: nash28 at 10:15 PM GMT on June 14, 2007. Hi all. Anything going on with the Carribean disturbance? Just got home from the oral surgeon. I have surgery tomorrow. Drinking lots of beer tonight since I can't eat anyways. we are look at the many vortcies associate with the system. We are notcing rotation in an area of lower level convergency. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1532. KoritheMan 22:17 GMT le 14 juin 2007
A LARGE AREA OF CLOUDINESS AND SHOWERS OVER THE NORTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN SEA IS ASSOCIATED WITH A BROAD AREA OF LOW PRESSURE. UPPER-LEVEL WINDS REMAIN UNFAVORABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT. TROPICAL CYCLONE FORMATION IS NOT EXPECTED DURING THE NEXT 48 HOURS. 10-20 knot shear is HARDLY unfavorable.... Maybe a few pockets of 25-30 knot shear, but this is much more favorable than it was for Barry. Member Since: 7 Mars 2007 Posts: 411 Comments: 15474

1534. WPBHurricane05 22:18 GMT le 14 juin 2007
WPB...where to you get that close of an image with that quality. I only have the NOAA sight and you can't get that close Can't tell you government secret. Just kidding, here you go link. Just click on the area you want zoomed. Member Since: 31 juillet 2006 Posts: 56 Comments: 7929

1535. Bamatracker 22:18 GMT le 14 juin 2007
you and your government secrets.....i'll find your source!!! Member Since: 17 mai 2006 Posts: 6 Comments: 1364

1536. WPBHurricane05 22:20 GMT le 14 juin 2007
lol Bama, I don't even work for the government..... Member Since: 31 juillet 2006 Posts: 56 Comments: 7929

1537. Drakoen 22:20 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Posted By: drusierDMD at 10:16 PM GMT on June 14, 2007. what does convergence tell us? i would guess it means "clouds coming together forming larger systems" am i close? things are coming together at the lower levels of the atmostphere. Member Since: 28 octobre 2006 Posts: 57 Comments: 29010

1538. HCW 22:20 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Allan Seals is also a great teacher at the University of South AL. I wonder how soon untill the navy jumps on this weak surface low and calls it an invest . I hope that you feel better soon Nash :) Free Weatherunderground accounts Link Member Since: 10 août 2002 Posts: 0 Comments: 1280

1539. drusierDMD 22:20 GMT le 14 juin 2007
did you get your wisdom teeth removed?

1540. Bamatracker 22:21 GMT le 14 juin 2007
LOL...i figured that....thats why you have to a source. Thats how you were gettin all those answers the other night for the hurricane questions. Wait i got it...your work for google ....even worse!! Member Since: 17 mai 2006 Posts: 6 Comments: 1364

1541. TheRingo 22:22 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Posted By: drusierDMD at 6:16 PM EDT on June 14, 2007. what does convergence tell us? i would guess it means "clouds coming together forming larger systems" am i close? no it's where a low's center is drawing in air at the surface. winds converge at it's center.

1542. WPBHurricane05 22:23 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Darn Bama you caught me. Member Since: 31 juillet 2006 Posts: 56 Comments: 7929

1543. nash28 22:23 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Drusier- See my blog. That'll explain the surgery. Member Since: 11 juillet 2005 Posts: 190 Comments: 16972

1544. thelmores 22:23 GMT le 14 juin 2007
I just spent the last half hour reading the blog to catch up...... I THINK MY HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE! LOL I am somewhat confused by the area near cozumel.... we have a surface low and an ULL??? Hmmm...... I have noticed during the day, that there are several vortices in this large area..... will be interesting to see how things progress.... when is the next quickscat due??? Member Since: 8 septembre 2005 Posts: 0 Comments: 3748

1545. Bamatracker 22:27 GMT le 14 juin 2007
quickstat missed this area....looks like we have to wait. Link Member Since: 17 mai 2006 Posts: 6 Comments: 1364

1546. WPBHurricane05 22:28 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Why does it do that???!!!??? Member Since: 31 juillet 2006 Posts: 56 Comments: 7929

1547. Patrap 22:30 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Orbital Mechanics... Member Since: 3 juillet 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111626

1548. HCW 22:30 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Cause quick sat is on it's last leg :( Member Since: 10 août 2002 Posts: 0 Comments: 1280

1549. Patrap 22:32 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Scroll down this link to see QUIKscat paths...recent passes Link Member Since: 3 juillet 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111626

1550. Bamatracker 22:32 GMT le 14 juin 2007
drunk pilot.. just a joke I know its a satellite Member Since: 17 mai 2006 Posts: 6 Comments: 1364

1551. Patrap 22:35 GMT le 14 juin 2007
Quikscat imagery...Link Member Since: 3 juillet 2005 Posts: 372 Comments: 111626

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