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Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Characteristics of a Major Tropical Cyclone Tornado OutbreakA comprehensive analysis has been conducted of the cloud-to-ground lightning activity occurring within a landfalling tropical cyclone that produced an outbreak of strong and damaging tornadoes. Radar data indicate that 12 convective cells were responsible for 29 tornadoes, several of which received an F3 intensity rating, in the southeastern United States on 16 August 1994 within the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl. Of these 12 tornadic storms, the most active cell produced 315 flashes over a 5.5 hour period, while the other storms were less active. Three tornadic storms failed to produce any CG lightning at all. In general, the tornadic storms were more active electrically than other non-tornadic cells within Beryl's remnants, although the flash rates were rather modest by comparison with significant midlatitude severe storm events. Very few positive polarity flashes were found in the Beryl outbreak. During some of the stronger tornadoes, CG flash rates in the parent storms showed sharp transient decreases. Doppler radar data suggest the stronger tornadic storms were small supercells, and the lightning data indicate these storms exhibited lightning characteristics similar to those found in heavy-precipitation supercell storms.
Document ID
19990078596
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
McCaul, Eugene W., Jr.
(Global Hydrology and Climate Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Buechler, Dennis
(Global Hydrology and Climate Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Goodman, Steven J.
(Global Hydrology and Climate Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1999
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: Atmospheric Electricity
Location: Guntersville, AL
Country: United States
Start Date: June 7, 1999
End Date: June 11, 1999
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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