Interesting high prob NTDA Case along bowing segment

A convective complex near the EWX radar developed into a more linear system as it moved east of the RDA. Several low end NTDA detections were made along the line, generally where there were kinks in the velocity field. One detection did end up showing high probabilities of over 80% just north of Gonzales, Texas. This occurred on the northern end of a localized surge in the line. The NTDA peaked at  84% at 21:38Z and again at 82% at 21:42. There was broad rotation in both instances but not a particularly tight couplet. The center of the NTDA detection was over the inflow region of the storm. I’m not sure if this was a tracking issue or maybe I’m misunderstanding the way the polygon is placed . The NMDA showed an azShear Max of 0.0218 /s at 21:38Z but the AzShear Avg never rose above the 0.02 threshold. The NMDA and NTDA were occasionally not co-located.

I’ve overlaid 0-3km bulk shear vectors from the RAP on the screenshots below. The shear direction is nearly parallel to the line before the surge occurred which would not be favorable for tornadogenesis by the three ingredients method. Though there were other ingredients/nudgers that would support tornadic development.

Base Velocity at 21:32Z NTDA Prob at 55%
Base Reflectivity at 21:32Z NTDA Prob at 55%
Base Velocity at 21:38Z NTDA Prob at 83.4%
Base Reflectivity at 21:38Z NTDA Prob at 83.4%

– Gerry Bertier