Storm-Relative Wind Vectors

The storm-relative wind vectors for low (L), medium (M), and high (H) heights are calculated using the storm motion specified by the white icon (circle with plus sign) in the main hodograph display. Rings are every 10 m/s (~20kts) whereas the rings on the main hodograph are every 10 kts (5 m/s). Note the user can specify a storm motion by left mouse clicking on the main hodograph display.

Low (L) - 2-4km layer average storm-relative wind vector

Medium (M) - 4-6km layer average storm-relative wind vector

High (H) - 9-11km layer average storm-relative wind vector

Classic supercells are more likely with strong storm-relative upper-level flow of 18-30 m/s (Rasmussen and Straka 1998).

Weak mid-level (4-6km) storm-relative windspeeds of < 15 kts have been associated with supercells that produce excessive cold outflow (Thompson et al 2003).