A detailed analysis of vortex characteristics within a tornadic quasi-linear convective system

On 7 June 2005, a quasi-linear convective system (QLCS) rapidly propagated through central and northeastern South Dakota. During the event, numerous small-scale convective vortices developed along its leading edge. Several of these mesovortices became tornadic, resulting in weak tornadoes. However, there were a number of mesovortices that remained non-tornadic. This research study will use Level II radar data to examine the storm–scale circulations embedded within the QLCS in order to determine any identifiable differences between the mesovortices that resulted in tornadoes and those that remained non-tornadic. Additionally, comprehensive damage analysis conducted by personnel from the Aberdeen, South Dakota National Weather Service Forecast Office will be used in order to correlate these non-tornadic mesovortices to enhanced areas of damaging straight-line winds at the surface.