Vertical Reflectivity Profiles and Lightning Characteristics of Landfalling Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

NLDN lightning data and WSR-88D radar data observed during several landfalling hurricanes have been compiled for the period 1995-1999 and are used to derive vertical reflectivity profiles of the storms in and outside areas where cloud to ground lightning strikes occurred. The study investigates the relation between vertical structure of reflectivity and National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) cloud-to-ground lightning data in and near the storms. The resultant vertical profiles were classified according to strike location (ocean, land, transition, outer rainband, inner rainband and eyewall), as well as flash polarity. Further, the changes in flash frequency as the storms approached landfall is investigated and related to changes in the intensity of the storms.