Fujitsu, Yokohama Uni Achieve Real-Time Tornado Predictions

Fujitsu and Yokohama National University have achieved the world's first real-time prediction of multiple tornadoes associated with typhoons, using advanced supercomputing technology on the Fugaku supercomputer. This new method significantly reduces prediction time from over 11 hours to just 80 minutes, allowing for tornado forecasts up to four hours in advance. The enhanced Cloud Resolving Storm Simulator (CReSS) enables high-resolution simulations that account for both large-scale typhoons and smaller tornadoes. Approximately 20% of tornadoes in Japan occur alongside typhoons, highlighting the importance of improving tornado prediction capabilities. The technology, which utilizes only 5% of Fugaku’s computational resources, is set to be released to the research community within the fiscal year 2024. This advancement promises to enhance disaster preparedness and mitigate the impact of severe weather events.