A Polarimetric Investigation of the 3 June 2014 Severe Wind-Driven Hail Event

Prior studies have examined both the near-storm environments (e.g., Rasmussen and Blanchard 1998) and convective morphologies most likely to be associated with either severe wind events or hail events (e.g., Duda and Gallus 2010). However, relatively little work has been done to understand the conditions favorable for severe wind-driven hail (WDH) events. Recent cases across the central and northern plains such as the Eldora, Iowa event in August 2009 and the Omaha, Nebraska event on 3 June 2014 have demonstrated how tremendously damaging and dangerous a thunderstorm can be when severe wind and large hail occur concomitantly.

This study will provide a brief review of the thermodynamic and kinematic environments conducive to WDH events along with the preferred convective morphologies from Gallus et al. (2010). Additionally, this study will examine the radar evolution of the 3 June 2014 Omaha, Nebraska WDH event from a dual-polarization radar perspective. Specifically, unique information regarding storm microphysics and storm morphology provided by the dual-polarization radar products will be highlighted along with how this information might be utilized by the warning decision meteorologist.