An Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Supercells with Variable Electrification

Landfalling tropical cyclones (TCs) are some of the most damaging and life-threatening weather phenomena on Earth, with widespread threats to human safety from a multitude of factors, including strong winds, storm surge, and even tornadoes (Rappaport, 2014). Often found in the outer-bands of TCs, supercell thunderstorms pose a significant challenge to weather forecasters due to their smaller sizes and sudden evolution when compared to traditional supercells (Spratt et al. 1997). While a multitude of research has been conducted on TCs throughout the years, questions regarding the microphysical differences between lightning and non-lightning producing TC supercells remain relatively untouched. This project aims to examine polarimetric products such as Correlation Coefficient (⍴HV) and Specific Differential Phase (KDP) in order to identify which processes dictate electrification in these storms. By utilizing Weather Surveillance Radar (WSR-88D) data, individual supercells within the outer bands of TCs are tracked leading up to tornadogenesis. In addition to a polarimetric analysis, rainfall rates, azimuthal shear, and updraft characteristics are inspected to determine their role in electrification and its effects on TC supercell behavior.