Supercell thunderstorms are the rarest and most volatile classification of thunderstorms. Supercells are the result of mesocyclones that consist of deep, continuously rotating updrafts. They are very strong isolated thunderstorms that can sometimes split into two separate storms and move in opposite directions because of opposing updrafts. These storms are often producers of abnormally large hail and mass quantities of rain. Supercells are often associated with tornadoes and downbursts as well. A main defining characteristic of the supercell is the looming overshooting top, resembling a mushroom. This “mushroom top” is caused by the powerful updraft forming the cloud. Supercells are very common in the plains and Midwest parts of the United States and sometimes in southern Canada, though they can occur elsewhere with proper conditions. High precipitation supercells are particularly dangerous because the high winds and rain can hide tornadoes in the middle of the mesocyclones.
Having grown up in north Texas, I can remember multiple occurrences of supercells. I remember being afraid of the very severe thunderstorms that knocked out our power, blew down our fence, and blew over trees and power lines. The mushroom-like clouds as pictured above, were very common in the spring and summer months. As noted in the articles, these storms definitely did produce large amounts of rain, often flooding our streets, and large hail that damaged our roofs and vehicles. During one such storm, a baseball-sized hail broke our kitchen window. Depending on where we were in the metroplex, we could often see the supercell moving in and the massive cloud formations before they produced flooding and/or tornadoes. Though the menacing storms threatened danger and despite meteorologists’ warnings, I would venture to say that many Texans and southerners found great entertainment from the immanent storms. And I’m sure that most people in the mid-United States can describe an experience or two of their encounter with supercells and tornadoes.
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