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Lightning Mapping and the Nowcasting of Severe StormsThis paper describes a successful research and operational collaboration between NASA scientists and NWS forecasters to improve severe stor m warnings using real-time data from a regional VHF total lightning mapping array (LMA). Key objectives of our research using LMA data ar e: a) Identification of intensifying and weakening storms using the time rate-of-change of total flash rate; b) Improved severe storm poten tial situational awareness; c) Evaluation of the potential of total f lash rate trend to improve severe storm probability of detection (POD ) and lead time; and d) Validation of mesoscale model forecasts of th understorm initiation. The LMA data are distributed for ingest and di splay in the WFO AWIPS decision support system, and archived at each WFO for case studies, event playbacks, and assessments using the NWS Warning Event Simulator. The Huntsville WFO has upgraded severe thund erstorm warnings to verified tornado warnings and avoided a false ala rm on a severe storm through the added information on storm growth, intensification, and decay that can be deduced from the magnitude and temporal trend of total flash rates. We present detailed case studies of the observed relationships between lightning activity and tornadi c storm development as determined by radar reflectivity and velocity fields, and thunderstorms forecast by the Weather Research and Foreca st (WRF) model. From these collaborative studies, forecasters can eva luate the added value of total lightning data within the forecast and warning decision-making process (http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sport) .
Document ID
20050180711
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Goodman, S.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Darden, C.
(Weather Service Forecast Office Huntsville, AL, United States)
Burks, J.
(Weather Service Forecast Office Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2005 European Geophysical Union Meeting
Location: Vienna
Country: Austria
Start Date: April 24, 2005
End Date: April 29, 2005
Sponsors: European Geophysical Society
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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