Supercells are the powerhouses of thunderstorms, they are capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and long track tornadoes. What makes a supercell so special?

Dramatic time-lapse footage of supercell tornado touchdown What is visible on the ground as a tornado is actually a "very small extension" of the larger rotation within these thunderstorms.

This rotation is key to the supercell’s structure and strength. Here’s how it forms: Wind Shear – Supercells need strong wind shear, or a change in wind speed and direction with height.

This rotation is key to the supercell’s structure and strength. Here’s how it forms: Wind Shear – Supercells need strong wind shear, or a change in wind speed and direction with height.

What makes a supercell unique from all other thunderstorm types is that it contains a deep and persistent rotating updraft called a ... "There are many ideas about how this rotation begins.

The same rotation responsible for the supercell’s structure and the creation of giant hail also plays into the formation of intense tornadoes. A hook echo on radar is bad news for communities in ...

Rotation: Very likely with sometimes strong rotation throughout the thunderstorm Threats: Tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds. Heavy rain and lightning are a given.

That rotation then gets pulled up into the cloud, forming a landspout. They do not form from a supercell thunderstorm. Eastern Colorado is one of a few places in the country to see a lot of ...

All the pieces were in place Wednesday to brew supercell thunderstorms. On the ground, the wind was blowing out of the southeast at 15 to 30 mph. High in the atmosphere at 30,000 to 40,000 feet, a ...