X-Nico

2 unusual facts about Convective available potential energy


1998 Gainesville–Stoneville tornado outbreak

Moving into a warmer environment where CAPE values were high (over 1000 j/kg), the line of storms evolved into several supercells, including two particularly prolific storms that moved across central and northern North Carolina from Charlotte to the Virginia border.

1999 Oklahoma tornado outbreak

Upper air balloon soundings, observed strong directional wind shear, cooling temperatures at high atmospheric levels and the increased potential of CAPE values potentially exceeding 4000 j/kg, levels that are considered favorable for supercells and tornadoes.



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