Trailing Stratiform Region Flash aka Science Works!

As expected, an extensive trailing stratiform region developed with the maturing MCS as it moved into the central part of ICT area. One long flash was captured at 2146 UTC. Of note, flash area was in excess of 3000 km2 in the stratiform region. The total energy in the stratiform region was equivalent to that in the updraft region as the large charge reservoir was extenguished. More frequent replenishment of charges in the more turbulent storm-scale updraft compensated for the individually smaller/weaker flashes there (ref McGorman, Bruning). There was a depression in flash area along the line while the group area had more continuous flash sizes along. The larger number of groups helped make this more continuous versus the lower flash count. - SCoulomb (with help from Eric & Chris)