A tornadic vortex signature, abbreviated TVS, is a Pulse-Doppler radar weather radar detected rotation algorithm that indicates the likely presence of a strong mesocyclone that is in some stage of tor
Typical display of a tornado vortex signature (the downward-pointing triangle near the mesocyclone) on a National Weather Service Doppler weather radar display (here the case of the 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado).
A hook echo present on a radar image of the May 22, 2011 Joplin EF5 tornado. The signature, along with a debris ball, is present on the bottom-left portion of the supercell that produced the tornado.