SUPERCELL definition and PHOTOS
SUPERCELL definition and PHOTOS
| What is a Supercell? A simple definition for a supercell would be: a
thunderstorm with a deep persistent rotating updraft (mesocyclone). This rotation of the
storm is the major difference between supercells and multicell storms. Supercells are
rare, but are responsible for most severe weather events - especially tornadoes. Very
large hail and damaging straight-line winds are also created by supercells. Supercells
tend to travel to the right of the main steering winds which chasers call right movers.
Chasers may also talk of HP storms(high precipitation) and LP storms(Low Precipitation)
which are varieties of storms, but whether or not they qualify as a supercell is dependent
on them having this deep persistent rotating updraft. I hope this helps. Tornado Tim |
 Strongly rotating storm Near Scotts Bluff Nebraska. Photo by Tornado Tim |
 Near Abilene Kansas spring of 1990. Photo by Gene Rhoden |
 Near Plainville, Ks. June 15th, 1992. Photo by Gene Rhoden |
 Near Garden City, Ks. May 16th, 1995 Photos by Scott Overpeck |
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Wellington, Ks on May 25, 1997. A large tornado on radar as it crossed Interstate 35 south of Wichita. In this loop you can see a beautiful image of a supercell thunderstorm producing a large tornado, which was confirmed by storm spotters on the ground. The red hook echo is very prominent, with the storm arched to the north in the middle and the entire thunderstorm spinning counterclockwise. In the last frame a small circle at the vortex reveals the tornado itself. |
 Photo by (Matt Dennis) |
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Cowley Co, Kansas. Photo by Matt Dennis |