-My opinion on true supercells vs those simply
called supercells
Meso Cyclone Opinion Far to often I see the incorrect use of this term applied to storms of
all nature and specifically non supercells. A meso cyclone can be defined as a storm-scale
region of rotation, typically around 2-6 miles in diameter and often found in the right
rear flank of a supercell (or often on the eastern, or front, flank of an HP storm). The
circulation of a mesocyclone covers an area much larger than the tornado that may develop
within it. Properly used, mesocyclone is a radar term; it is defined as a rotation
signature appearing on Doppler radar that meets specific criteria for magnitude, vertical
depth, and duration. Therefore, a mesocyclone should not be considered a
visually-observable phenomenon (although visual evidence of rotation, such as curved
inflow bands, may imply the presence of a mesocyclone).
Does a meso mean the storm is a supercell? The simple answer is no! A meso cyclone is a storm-scale region of
rotation that may be associated with many different types of storms such as squall lines,
multicell clusters and many other dynamic individual types such as arrow head
multiclusters, dotted comma echo lines etc.. So with that in mind a storm with a
mesocyclone is not a supercell unless it matches specific criteria and most commonly
storms other than supercells that contain mesocyclones usually are not long lived and the
meso cyclone will exist briefly (less than 1 hour).
What is the difference between supercells and non-supercells? For a true supercell to develop it must meet several critical
criteria's. The first is that it must have a mesocyclone. Second once the mesocyclone
developers 90% of all the other drafts within the storm must feed into the mesocyclone.
Third the leading edge of a supercells precipitation area is characterized by
light rain. Heavier rain falls closer to the updraft with torrential rain and/ or large
hail immediately north and east of the main updraft. The area near the main updraft
(typically towards the rear of the storm) is the preferred area of severe weather
formation while in other storms severe weather weather can occur theoretically anywhere
due to lack of structure, organization and updraft collapse or ouflow domination.
Types of Supercells As you most likely know there are 3 types of supercells. The HP (high
precipitation), LP (low precipitation) and classic supercell. Typically the LP storms will
produce the least amount of damage and the classic storms will produce the most (so much
so that it can be incredible unimaginable devastation). The most common supercell would be
the HP with flooding and large hail combined with strong outflow winds.
Classic Supercells By nature these are truly pure supercells in all aspects unlike the HP
and LP storms which commonly tend to be hybrids of other storms which evolve into
supercells and classic storms unlike LP or HP all carry the same structure and shape while
varying in size although if scaled fit one another. These storms are the main source for
violent F5 tornadoes and carry features from both HP and LP storms, such as extremely
large hail, moist or dry outflow and many others. Most commonly these storms will be high
precipitation as they are formed in warm moist gulf air and not commonly dry desert air.
*Just remember if you are someone who core punches commonly or a amateur chaser
don't try to core punch a HP supercell and corepunching a classic supercell with surely
knock out your windshield and your front lights (not to mention you will need a full body
job on your vehicle).
