Supercell Signatures in Eastern Colorado/Western Kansas Using Updraft Helicity

In conjunction with the storm splitting signal seen in the 16Z OUN-WRF, the 18Z OUN-WRF shows two distinct supercells in the western portions of the Goodland CWA by 23Z with a third developing shortly afterwards.

22May2014-2315Z5HR-OUNWRFHelicity

Based on this data, I would be more concerned than before about the threat for tornadoes and stronger winds in addition to simply hail because of the storm type likely to develop.  Strong negative helicities correlate with the expected potential of left moving splits that also may contain severe hail.

These signatures in the GLD CWA are the most significant signatures within the OUN-WRF domain.  Based on the helicity product, only a marginal hail threat seems to be developing elsewhere.

– JRM

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