Scanning twisters at mega-close range -- that's the challenge!
"VORTEX2", the world's biggest tornado research project begins this week as scientists will chase storms across Tornado Alley.
The detailed weather data will help answer questions about tornados and the storms which produce them.
The goal of the $10 million project is increasing the accuracy and warning time of tornado warnings.
During the next two spring storm seasons, VORTEX2 will deploy 10 mobile radars capable of measuring tiny debris particles and even insects sucked into the tornado.
24 portable weather instruments called "Sticknets" will be strategically set up around the tornado-producing storms to measure the wind fields.
Some scientists will also try to plop down tornado pods in the direct paths of tornados.
Other tools include using unmanned aircraft and vehicles.
When will we know the results? VORTEX2's preliminary scientific findings will be announced this fall.
