|
NOTE: We've guessed that
you're not using a client that supports colored tables and have tried
to compensate. Low graphics mode looks much better on clients that
do... we recommend switching to Netscape 3.0 or Microsoft Internet
Explorer.
|
|
|
. |
Types of Thunderstorms
single cell, multicell clusters, multicell lines and supercells
The breakdown into single cell, multicell,
and supercell covers the major storm types
within the spectrum. One "cell" denotes one
updraft/downdraft couplet. Thus, there are
several updrafts and downdrafts in close
proximity with a multicell storm. Multicell
storms can be broken down further into the
categories of multicell line and
multicell
cluster storms.
The "intense" updraft storm is almost
invariably the supercell, a storm capable
of producing the most devastating weather,
including violent tornadoes.
|
[Image: four basic thunderstorm types (27K)]
|
With the two multicell storm categories,
we have defined four basic storm types from
the thunderstorm spectrum. The supercell
is always severe, whereas the others can be
non-severe or severe. We stress that a "severe"
storm is a somewhat arbitrary National
Weather Service definition of a storm with
one or more of the following elements: 3/4 inch
or larger diameter hail, 50 KT downbursts,
and tornadoes. |
|
![[Image: four basic thunderstorm types (27K)]](/guides/mtr/svr/type/gifs/home2.gif){kind=link}