Lilly's Closing Thoughts

SWIFT 2019 was just as I expected it to be, and more. We traveled to over 15 different states all over the country, seeing corners that few people ever see. Country back roads, dirt fields, cows, horses, bison, prairie dogs: America has it all, and honestly, I feel so blessed to have visited so many amazing places. Nature is truly amazing, and on this trip I have experienced it in many different capacities.

However, SWIFT isn't just about traveling, its about weather and its about chasing storms. Prior to this trip, I thought about the model products and how large scale they are. Even when you zoom in on specific areas, the model creates a point for every three kilometers, which is still pretty far in my opinion, especially when we talk about how open and wide the plains are. Thinking about these large scale products made me a little nervous. How are we supposed to look at the HRRR model and be able to point to a screen and say "this is EXACTLY where the tornado will appear!" The best part about this is, that there is no one on this planet who can point to a place and tell you that a tornado will appear. Except for God, there is no one. Which is freaking amazing. And if tornadoes are acts of the Lord himself, then we were basically trying to predict acts of God. Which is pretty impossible.

So thinking about how impossible finding a storm is, I was nervous that the impossibility of the task would prevent us from actually finding a tornado, but thankfully, it didn't. What goes into finding one or predicting where one will appear is more than just the model predictions. In fact, finding a tornado depends on more than what the models say; to find one, we need luck and real-time data. Being a part of SWIFT has shown me that the models are not the be all end all. Instead, the models are just merely a tool that, when used with other products, help to form a larger picture of tornadogenesis.

Although the model discussion is RIVETING and I know that its what every one wants to hear about most, the best part of SWIFT was being in the van. Van Gough, our trusty kidnapper-warrior transport. Together, the team spent a crap ton of time together in the van. Everyone has a favorite spot and a favorite row. But without the time we all spent together, driving, hiking, etc. together, there would be no real SWIFT. My favorite part of this trip -although the weather stuff is amazing and important- was getting to know five more amazing midshipmen.

SWIFT has been an experience of a lifetime. I am forever thankful for everything I have seen, and for the experience that all of us shared together in the van. Thanks for tuning in:) It's been real, SWIFT 2019.

Lilly Myers