An Analysis of the Tornado-Producing Raleigh Thunderstorm of November 28, 1988
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to document the synoptic and local environment of the North Carolina-Virginia tornado outbreak of November 28, 1988, and to present evidence of the coupling of the existing Raleigh thunderstorm mesocyclone with strong surface vorticity fields as a possible explanation for the sudden spin-up of the very strong (Fujita Scale 4) Raleigh Tornado. Conventional surface, upper-air, and satellite data were analyzed on the Man-Computer Interactive Data Access System (McIDAS) computer system to study the changes in the synoptic environment prior to the tornado event. Radar data were obtained to determine if characteristic storm signatures were present. In addition, various other types of data from local sources were obtained and used in the analysis. Results of the analysis indicated that despite marginal severe weather conditions just six hours prior to the Raleigh Tornado, the atmosphere rapidly changed and exhibited the classic severe weather characteristics necessary for tornado production.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA254384
Entities
People
- Carl S. Funk
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology