Extended Abstract (1.7M)11B.6
A Comparison of Warm and Cool Season Tornadic Quasi-Linear Convective Systems in North Alabama
Stephen Latimer, NOAA/NWS, Huntsville, AL; and A. Kula
Tornadoes that accompany quasi-linear convective systems are often difficult to detect. Previous work has indicated approximately 90% of tornadic storms in northern Alabama are associated with convective lines.
In an effort to better understand and recognize these phenomena we will present two cases of quasi-linear convective system tornados that produced EF-2 damage. On 8 May 2008, seven tornadoes were reported in the WFO Huntsville county warning area, including one EF-2 which began near Leighton, Alabama and tracked 9.6 miles across three counties. The storm that spawned the tornado took on super-cellular traits which may have lengthened the life of the tornado. On 10 December 2008, an EF-2 tornado of much shorter duration and track was associated with a bow echo exhibiting a more classic quasi-linear system tornadic evolution.
The presentation will focus on analyses of the near storm environments and the new super resolution radar data from the North Alabama WSR-88D, supplemented with radar data from the University of Alabama at Huntsville. Video taken of the Leighton, Alabama tornado will be shown and storm survey results will be discussed.
Session 11B, Radar IIPS II - Part 2
Wednesday, 20 January 2010, 4:00 PM-5:30 PM, B218
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