What Is a Low-Topped Supercell?
Low-topped supercells (LTs) are a type of thunderstorm that have unique characteristics compared to traditional supercell thunderstorms. They are typically weaker and have a lower cloud base, but can still produce severe weather such as large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. Understanding the anatomy, formation, and behavior of low-topped supercells is important for severe weather forecasting and public safety.
===The Anatomy of a Low-Topped Supercell
Low-topped supercells have a similar structure to traditional supercell thunderstorms, with an updraft and downdraft separated by a mesocyclone. However, the cloud base is lower, typically less than 1,500 meters above the ground, and the updraft is weaker. The storm may also have a more linear shape than the classic hook echo of a traditional supercell.
===The Formation of Low-Topped Supercells
Low-topped supercells form in environments with weak wind shear, meaning that wind direction and speed do not change significantly with height. This allows the storm to remain more vertical and not tilt with height, which is necessary for the development of a strong updraft in traditional supercells. Instead, low-topped supercells rely on other factors such as instability and moisture to produce severe weather.
===Characteristics of Low-Topped Supercells
Low-topped supercells can produce all types of severe weather, including large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes. However, they are typically weaker and have a shorter lifespan than traditional supercells. They may also have a more linear or elongated shape, and the updraft and downdraft may be closer together.
===How Are Low-Topped Supercells Different from Traditional Supercells?
The main difference between low-topped supercells and traditional supercells is the strength of the updraft and the height of the cloud base. Low-topped supercells have weaker updrafts and lower cloud bases, which can make them more difficult to detect on radar. They also tend to have a more linear shape and may produce different types of severe weather.
===The Impact of Low-Topped Supercells on Severe Weather Forecasting
Low-topped supercells can be challenging to forecast, as they may not exhibit the classic radar signatures of traditional supercells. Forecasters must rely on other indicators such as instability and moisture to predict the potential for severe weather. Improving our understanding of low-topped supercells can help forecasters better anticipate and communicate the risks associated with these storms.
===Case Studies: Low-Topped Supercell Outbreaks
Low-topped supercells are relatively rare, but they can still produce significant outbreaks of severe weather. In 2011, a low-topped supercell outbreak in the southeastern United States produced numerous tornadoes and caused several fatalities. Another outbreak in 2017 in the Great Plains produced large hail and damaging winds.
===Safety Precautions for Low-Topped Supercell Events
As with any severe weather event, it is important to take safety precautions during a low-topped supercell outbreak. This includes staying informed of the latest weather forecasts and warnings, seeking shelter in a sturdy building or underground if a tornado warning is issued, and avoiding driving or being outside during severe weather.
===Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Low-Topped Supercells
Low-topped supercells may not be as well-known as traditional supercells, but they are still a significant threat for severe weather. Understanding the characteristics, formation, and behavior of these storms can help forecasters and the public prepare for and respond to severe weather events. By continuing to study and learn about low-topped supercells, we can improve our ability to protect lives and property from the impacts of severe weather.
===References and Further Reading
- National Weather Service. (2018). Low-Topped Supercells. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-lt-supercell
- Thompson, R. L., & Edwards, R. (2000). Low-topped supercells: A review. Weather and Forecasting, 15(1), 104-120.
- University of Oklahoma. (n.d.). Low Topped Supercells. Retrieved from https://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/supercells/lt/
