ENI cell tracking/rate better utility than Lightning Jump in detecting tvs’s along QLCS across MHX

ENI cell/rate tracking (fig 1) was a better tool to identify and track stronger updrafts (fig 2)…within a QLCS moving to the NC coast. The lighting jump algorithm was difficult to follow one the event transitioned to a QLCS setup…because the algorithm grouped together severe cells and washed out the jump/severe signal (fig3).

Transient and weak tornadic spin-ups are noted on occasion along the NE coast with these QLCS’s in areas of interaction with discrete cells, to the north of rear inflow jets and kinks in the line.  Although both tools would likely not give much lead time on these transient spin-ups…the ENI should prove a more useful complement to radar data in these areas than the lightning jump in detecting the highest severe winds threat along the line and best potential for tornadogenesis.

Fig 1

Fig 2



Fig3



Pickles