Storm Australian Severe Weather Forum

Severe Weather Discussion => Australian Severe Storms, Weather Events and Storm Chasing => Topic started by: Michael Bath on 11 December 2008, 08:00:42 AM

Title: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Bath on 11 December 2008, 08:00:42 AM
Cells are underway along the Central Tablelands and MNC. Williamtown sounding reveals quite a nice profile with potential for hailstorms. Activity should develop along the Northern Tablelands and parts of the North Coast.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: David C on 11 December 2008, 12:19:19 PM
Issued at 6:02 pm Wednesday, 10 December 2008.

Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, destructive winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tenterfield, Casino, Kyogle, Yamba, Maclean, Woolgoolga, Sawtell and Dorrigo.

An especially severe thunderstorm was located 10 km south-southeast of Grafton at 6 pm and was moving to the north to northeast. It could produce giant hail (larger than 5 cm diameter) and destructive winds.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jimmy Deguara on 11 December 2008, 12:27:41 PM
Hi David,

Yep was definitely watching that one - nice supercell exploded to the south of Grafton. Pity that the radar is too close to the cell as you cannot get an indication of the structure as it nears Grafton.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: David C on 11 December 2008, 12:45:31 PM
Indeed Jimmy, and the one south of Casino has a nice PPI echo structure - very nice actually.


Issued at 6:21 pm Wednesday, 10 December 2008.
"Hail as large as cricket balls or larger was reported from Swan Creek (east of Grafton) at 6:15pm. "
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jimmy Deguara on 11 December 2008, 12:45:49 PM
And now another cell has exploded SW of Lismore and this will likely become supercellular given its isolation and moisture availability and similar conditions.

Hope Michael at all is after it.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Steven on 11 December 2008, 01:00:20 PM
They look to be high based, as evidenced on MB's webcam. It must be very dry up there for sure.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jimmy Deguara on 11 December 2008, 01:00:46 PM
And try this!

For people in the
NORTHERN RIVERS,
MID NORTH COAST and
NORTHERN TABLELANDS Forecast Districts.


Issued at 6:53 pm Wednesday, 10 December 2008.


Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce large hailstones, destructive winds, very heavy rainfall and flash flooding in the warning area over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Lismore, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Tenterfield, Casino, Kyogle, Yamba, Maclean, Woolgoolga, Sawtell and Dorrigo.


An especially severe thunderstorm was located near Lawrence (about 25 km northeast of Grafton) at 6:45pm and was moving to the north to northeast. It has been producing giant hail (larger than 5 cm diameter) and potentially destructive winds.  


Another especially severe thunderstorm was located about 10 km south of Casino and is also moving towards the north-northeast. This storm is also likely to produce giant hail and possibly destructive winds.  

Hail about the size of tennis balls was reported at Swan Creek (east of Grafton) at 6:15pm.
3 to 4 cm hail and winds estimated at 100 km/hr were reported at Coutts Crossing (south of Grafton) just before 6 pm.  


Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Thomas on 11 December 2008, 01:06:34 PM
I am pretty sure that Michael has been on the Casino storm right from the start. Pretty impressive, two very obvious supercells, I bet the structure is very good.

Michael
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Rochelle Ferris on 11 December 2008, 01:48:00 PM
Thank you Jimmy!  Hi everyone.  I'm in Ballina, 2478!  It's very dark here and the temperature has just plummeted.  The radar looks pretty spectacular this evening, as does the lightning tracker.  I think I should baton down the hatches.  Woohoo!
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Richary on 11 December 2008, 03:46:45 PM
I'm in Narrabri at the moment and came through the developing storms on the way up from Sydney. Caught the edge of the first one at Scone, then progressively more as I headed west, and went through the last one about 40km east of Gunnedah. By this stage the severe storm warning was been given on the local radio more for areas around Armidale/Tamworth.

The development was very quick on some of these from looking menacing to starting a little bit of rain to dumping. Core punched the final two on the drive and while no hail there was certainly very heavy rain, though all quite localised. They weren't generally that lightning active at this stage though the last one dropped a couple of nice CGs. You could see where they had punched through the cap and a huge spread of cloud off the top in a NE direction indicating quite a bit of shear.

As I moved NW things calmed down, though a big one was building west of Narrabri at about 6. It or another came through town at about 8 with reasonable rain and a few CGs.

Got a few nice photos of structure and the rain cores but can't post them until I get home (or maybe on the weekend if dad has the right cable).
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jason(pato) on 11 December 2008, 03:50:31 PM
Once again I was confined to chasing in the neighbourhood (looking after kiddies). Went to the same spot as last time to watch the storm coming over. Rain eventually forced me back to the confines of my home but did manage to get a quick pic of the decaying guster as it was approaching.

   (http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff315/jaypat75/IMG_4132.jpg)

Tryed for some lightning shots as the cell that smashed Grafton made its way up the coast to my east. Could only manage to get some dodgy crawlers, with all the CGs obscured by cloud. This is the best of the lot.

   (http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff315/jaypat75/IMG_4185.jpg)

Hoping for something better tomorrow (shots wise). Looking forward to MBs pics as I know he was out and about chasing today.

Cheers Jason
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Bath on 11 December 2008, 04:34:13 PM
Had a great late afternoon chase this afternoon. I was initially tempted by the Grafton supercell but James Harris was onto that and it was a long drive. The new one developing south of Casino caught my attention shortly after I headed out.

Click pics for larger view, time is EDT.

The first few updraft pulses really struggled but the anvil was quite impressive from the outset:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121001.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121001.jpg) 5.21pm

Getting organised now:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121004.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121004.jpg) 6.08pm

From this point on the storm had a constant jet-like background noise - full of lovely hail *evil grin*   These following pics all taken halfway between Lismore and Casino:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121005.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121005.jpg) 6.38pm

Hail shaft getting close

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121006.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121006.jpg) 6.43pm

Small hail was falling out of the anvil ahead of the core.

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121007.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121007.jpg) 6.50pm

It then got bigger - you can see it falling in this pic:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121008.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121008.jpg) 6.50pm

Was a lot of 2-3cm hail here with isolated 4s and some random 5 or 6cm stones. At first winds were fairly light, then it got rather serious. I was under a small bus shelter thing, and had to dash back into the car.

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121009.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121009.jpg) 7.05pm

The rear flank downdraft had the higher concentration of 4-5cm stones but still mostly 2-3s:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121010.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121010.jpg) 7.16pm

Back end of storm as it impacts the Nimbin area:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121012.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121012.jpg) 7.35pm




These are the views I had of the Grafton storm:

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121002.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121002.jpg) 5.20pm

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121003.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121003.jpg) 5.53pm

It was still coming up the coast after the other storm cleared my location.

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121011.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121011.jpg) 7.16pm

I met up with James Harris and we watched a lovely display of structure and lightning, though the storms were now weakening.

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121013.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121013.jpg) 7.39pm

(http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/thumbs/2008121014.jpg) (http://australiasevereweather.com/temp/forum/photos/2008121014.jpg) 8.00pm

Michael
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Richary on 11 December 2008, 05:01:36 PM
Realised I did have the cable for the camera with me, so here are the pics from between Quirindi and Gunnedah.

Not quite sure how to edit and put the descriptions between each pic! 0202 was east of the highway at Scone, 0204 taken from the lookout at Quirindi, 0205 showing some interesting rain bands about 20km west of there on another storm. 0206 was a long way off but shows how far the top was blowing off, and 0207 was the most lightning active and the last one I core punched, with this photo taken from the rear of the storm. The final two were way off to the east from the road between Gunnedah and Narrabri.

Might help show the early stages of these storms, taken from about 2-4 pm as I travelled.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: James on 11 December 2008, 06:38:43 PM
Today will be etched in my memory for a very long time. I have always wanted to watch a Supercell develop over the Dorrigo/Nymbodia area and follow it north through the Northern Rivers. Finally today I got my wish.

I started mid afternoon in Grafton watching the DP's edge towards 21c and wondering when and if the cap was going to break. It was a lot stronger than I was expecting. With every extra minute it held the more I got excited at the huge amount of CAPE that would become available later on. Re-plotting a GFS sounding for Grafton with 34/21 gave CAPE values of over 3000kj and LI's of -8 ... pretty damn nice!

Around 3pm a small line (running E-W) developed from Clouds Creek to Glenreagh. The line continued to look unorganised for the next two hours although one base caught my interest with some slight rotation and a funnel cloud as it died.

   (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-01jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-01jh.jpg) 

My attention turned to the western most base in the line. It was looking a little darker and had a good strong look to it. I was hopeful this would be the one. Thankfully it was. The base was now separate to the downdraft indicating some good organisation. Time to move closer.

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-02jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-02jh.jpg)

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-04jh.preview.JPG) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-04jh.JPG)

I headed down to Coutts Crossing and watched the base separate from the rain curtain even further and take on a more symmetrical shape. Shortly afterwards a wall cloud developed.

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-05jh.preview.JPG) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-05jh.JPG)

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-06jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-06jh.jpg)

Considering the storm should start moving north and increase in speed I took a gamble and core punched south of Coutts Crossing. The base was now increasing in size and looking very dark and green.

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-07jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-07jh.jpg)

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-08jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-08jh.jpg)

I found my way to the RFD which was now starting to circulate around the southern edge of the base. Upon entering the white rain curtain I was greeted with a blast of wind and hail around the 3-4cm mark. 5 minutes inside there was enough, it was time to move north. The cell had become a fully grown supercell and was now spinning its way north towards South Grafton. North of Coutts Crossing I was safely out of the RFD, or so I though. 10 seconds later the wind and Hail roared across the road in front of me. Tree branches were now snapping off and hail up towards 4cm was falling sporadically onto the ground. At this point I tried to find a clearing away from trees and sit it out for a few minutes whilst the main wind core moved away.

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-16jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-16jh.jpg)

I quickly gave a report to the BOM (who I have been advised didn't have a warning out until that stage .... not sure why)and then proceeded north to Grafton again. The wind was still howling however the initial gusts (~100km/h) had moved on. (I was amazed at the stupidity of some people parking their cars under trees trying to protect themselves from hail as branches fell nearby.)

Finally I got out at South Grafton and headed up the highway north.  Near Ulmarra I stopped and watched the supercell advance towards me. The Supercell had now taken on the mature stage and looked nasty.

     (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-11jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-11jh.jpg) 

     (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-12jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-12jh.jpg) 

At the time this photo was taken, Swan Creek (7kms to my SW) was being hammered with reported cricket ball hail.

I continued north east trying to get out of the sporadic hail now falling out of the anvil. Finally I broke through however the views were terrible except for the back end of the Casino supercell MB was on.

     (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-10jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-10jh.jpg) 

I ended up heading all the way to Coraki and watched the supercell advance north. Behind me the Casino Supercell was spitting out some intense CG's from the anvil above.

Finally met up with Michael and watched as the two supercells finally ran out of energy.

     (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-14jh.preview.JPG) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-14jh.JPG) 

     (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-15jh.preview.JPG) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-10-15jh.JPG)
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: enak_12 on 11 December 2008, 07:34:29 PM
A very nice couple of supercells there fellas and well documented!..James thats one of my goals in storm chasing myself, I'll get to one day..I knew today would be a good day to head to Grafton but I've had a lot of commitments with friends as usual ah damn social life lol..I did get out to photograph the Coffs storm of course was alright to I was at the jetty end of town but my brother said we got 3cm hail at home just some pea sized stuff at the jetty..I went to bruxner park (big hill in coffs) later and saw a heap of leaf litter, tree branches and bark covering the road up there..

this is the storm that rolled through coffs, had some nice greenage and roll cloud turning into guster..
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/enak12/December%2010%202008/Untitled_Panorama1copy.jpg)

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/enak12/December%2010%202008/IMG_1281copy.jpg)   
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Antonio (stormboy) on 12 December 2008, 04:12:22 AM
Last night some thunderstorms hit ballina with a spectacular lightning show and later on about 11:15 winds hit us at around 70+kmph

Here are some lightning shots

Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Thomas on 12 December 2008, 05:49:25 AM
First off, great photos there, awesome supercell structure! I must admit I was a little surprised by the severity of those two storms (not after seeing the radar images though). I was watching the radar most of the day and certainly earlier on all the storms were firing behind the change moving up the coast. Going by the model soundings I was under the impression that moisture depth was not so good ahead of the change. Obviously though, this was not the case. Replotting the model soundings with the surface obs from yesterday give CAPE generally around 2000 and up to almost 3000 j/kg (when plotted for 34/20). 500 hPa winds were WSW at around 30 knots and with N to NE winds at the surface 0-6km shear would have been around 40knot. On top of this, upper level winds were very strong (up to 100 knots at 200 hPa). With both supercells moving N, I would guess that this allowed them to move along the sea breeze front (or at least move along an area of locally higher CAPE away from the cooler surface temps by the coast).

Today certainly looks interesting too, lower level moisture has increased in SE Qld with dew points up to 22 C. The Brisbane sounding looks quite nice, I would say there should be sufficient shear and CAPE for supercells again today, especially on or just ahead of the SE change. It will be hard to match yesterday though.

Michael
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jimmy Deguara on 12 December 2008, 06:05:41 AM
Great supercells there guys. The development of structure on radar was awesome to see and it seems on the photographs show that. Some nice overshoots observed on both cells. Being slightly higher based, the mesocyclones could clear be seen wrapping around and from what I could see on Michael's pictures, there were inflow bands and a beaver tail by the looks of it. I also note an inflow notch cut in.

Any other comments?

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Antonio (stormboy) on 12 December 2008, 08:38:53 AM
today looks like a good day the radar already shows some storm cells developing near the casino and tenterfield area there are also some heading towards kyogle

heres the 3:30pm radar
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Thomas on 12 December 2008, 09:40:34 AM
Currently 33.5/22 at Beaudesert AWS, this gives a surface based CAPE of approx. 3000 j/kg when replotting the Brisbane sounding. Current cell NW of Kyogle is looking like a HP supercell with a nice 'kidney bean' shape and some rotation showing up on the doppler. Looks like SE Qld is primed for some decent severe storms this afternoon.

Michael
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jeff Brislane on 12 December 2008, 09:55:34 AM
That storm you mentioned Michael has a really nice signature on radar with sustained area of maximum reflectivity, and what appears to be slight left of flow movement, and it's even in Qld/N.S.W. so it must be a supercell.  :P ;)
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jeff Brislane on 12 December 2008, 10:08:02 AM
Michael & James, Those storms are fantastic! Excellent structured supercells and Michael that shot with the hail shaft near the bus shelter is amazing seeing such a well defined distinction between inflow and outflow.

Kane, is that first photo of yours looking west at Coff's? And what time did you take that one? It shows some very nice and interesting storm structure.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Antonio (stormboy) on 12 December 2008, 10:25:17 AM
this is a video of the thunderstorms that hit us lats night at around 11pm

http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=wkLD0igBP6g
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Thomas on 12 December 2008, 10:28:36 AM
That storm certainly looked nicer earlier on, still a storm to keep an eye on though that's for sure. Latest obs show that the sea breeze front has pushed inland with winds shifting to the NE/E and a small increase in dew point temperatures. Still looking very nice for SE Qld, wish I was there. Just need these storms to get organised now.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jimmy Deguara on 12 December 2008, 11:03:06 AM
Hi Michael,

Would probably call this a region of convergence - not so much a sea breeze front today as it is associated with the stalled SE change. I think this is confirmed by James Harris who was situated to the NW of Kyogle and was out of this stratocumulus crap.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Thomas on 12 December 2008, 11:14:07 AM
Hi Jimmy,

Ok, my mistake. There was a wind shift (to NE) and an jump in dew point temperature which I normally associate with the seabreeze moving in. Might not be the case today. I wondering if that storm is going to get organised soon, it certainly has lost any supercellular features. That doesn't mean it still can't pack a punch though.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Richary on 12 December 2008, 04:27:37 PM
Some great photos there, love those Grafton shots James.

Today got away from Narrabri early, and made Armidale a bit before 2pm. There was some development taking place west of Armidale but nothing was managing to push through the cap and they would just fall apart. As a total contrast about 50km east of Armidale started to run into low cloud (fog) and the run into Dorrigo was a slow one with very poor visibility. Aprox 100m a lot of the way and down to 50m at times. A total change in climate from the hot temps west and even at Armidale. So cloud base well down below 1000m as the fog hung in a fair way down the hill.

The storms to the NE of Armidale looked to be getting a little more structure early but didn't see if anything developed out of those.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: enak_12 on 12 December 2008, 08:06:03 PM
Hi Jeff yes that photo is looking back towards coffs it was taken at about the time of this radar image..

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/enak12/December%2010%202008/dfwe.gif)

another pic at around the same time it was throwing out intense cg's .. looks like a beaver tail maybe on the right of the image?

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c172/enak12/December%2010%202008/45rtdgdgdfg.jpg) 
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: James on 13 December 2008, 02:24:55 AM
I will post something a little more substantial later on. I based myself at Kyogle ready to make the jump across the border if need be. As Jimmy mentioned Kyogle and northwards was sitting very nicely near a convergance zone of the SE'er. Watched a few crappy cells go up but then noticed the low level cu starting to thicken up towards a base I could not see behind Kyogle (west). Moved north and watched a few little bases in front try to organise however the anvil rain from the big storm behind (near Woodenbong) was ruining the fun. I realised my best bet was to try and get to the back end storm (some seriously deep booming thunder from it) so headed on the Lions Road over to Rathdowney and then westwards to near Marom trying to get the main updraft on the north west flank near Woodenbong. Bases were forming on the northern edge of the outflow near Rathdowney however to the SW hidden bhind a rain curtain was the real thing. Arrving just east of Marom I was greeted with this to my south .... lots of pics and video however will put them up later as am out of time.

Lovely HP looking updraft with rotation.

  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-01jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-01jh.jpg) 
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Mike on 13 December 2008, 07:08:09 AM
An explosive looking storm.  I have been watching the radar loops for most of the east coast during these times and the size of the storms were impressive to say the least. 
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jimmy Deguara on 13 December 2008, 07:30:02 AM
James,

That is awesome structure wise and impressive given the contrast. If you do have time, definitely post some video of the timelapse if you have it. Looks definitely interesting. Well done!

Regards,

JImmy Deguara
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jeff Brislane on 13 December 2008, 08:18:03 AM
Kane, yes that is likely a beaver tail allthough you can't see in the photo how well defined it is.

So there were three, maybe even four supercells the 10th as it looks like a possible fourth near Nambucca Heads. James i'm taking was on the Grafton cell and MB on the northern most cell. So i'm asumming that the cell near Coffs was pretty much unseen apart from Kanes pics.

Some great structure from all cells on both days, and yesterdays cell, what a beast to top it off.

Regards Jeff.
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: bustagust on 13 December 2008, 01:56:28 PM
Hey Michael and James!
They say lightning never hits twice but who would have thought that the pair of you would shoot exactly the same lightning strike from two different angles before you met up. Freakeee...

It's the last one in your post, Michael and the second last one in James' post. You guys must be in sync.
cheers, H
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: James on 15 December 2008, 01:07:40 PM
As mentioned earlier here is the video of the Woodenbong storm looking to my south near Maroon towards Mt Barney. Apologies it has taken me a few days to get the video up.

http://www.vimeo.com/2520292 (http://www.vimeo.com/2520292) or go to ww.vimeo.com/2520292 for larger video

Unfortunately I haven't been able to capture higher up as the base was enormous (I had a 0.7x Wide Angle lens on). I have mainly concentrated on the Wall cloud and base. The Wall cloud wasnt rotating however the base and above were. Half way along the outflow kicks in from the east (left) and proceeds to start killing the updraft.

I proceeded west through trees for around 10 minutes and managed this view looking at Mt Barney.

(http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-04jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-04jh.jpg)

I then headed north through more trees and about 15 minutes later it was on it's way to becoming a big shelfy.

(http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-05jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-05jh.jpg)
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Bath on 15 December 2008, 01:17:25 PM
James and I had caught up by the time those lightning pics were taken.  Have since seen a report of larger hail that smashed windscreens at Tatham - a few ks south of where I was in the hail.

Permanent radar loop and other data for 10th December 2008

---> Grafton radar loop (http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/radar/20081210/grafton128.htm)


(http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/thumbs/2008121000brisbane.png) (http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/soundings/2008121000brisbane.png) Brisbane

(http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/thumbs/2008121000moree.png) (http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/soundings/2008121000moree.png) Moree

(http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/satpics/200812100330.jpg) 03.30UTC

(http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/satpics/200812100430.jpg) 04.30UTC

(http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/satpics/200812100530.jpg) 05.30UTC

(http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/satpics/200812100630.jpg) 06.30UTC

(http://australiasevereweather.com/storm_news/2008/satpics/200812100730.jpg) 07.30UTC



Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Brad Hannon on 16 December 2008, 06:38:01 AM
Lovely HP looking updraft with rotation.
  (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-01jh.preview.jpg) (http://sydneystormchasers.com/system/files/images/08-12-11-01jh.jpg) 

Great stuff James.  Stunning structure and great to see the timelapse - is worth watching on the vimeo link.  As you mention, it is interesting to see the upper level rotating cyclonically (spelling??) in the timelapse while the wall cloud and associated scud is less organised and moving left to right in opposing directional flow.

Brad
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jimmy Deguara on 17 December 2008, 04:39:20 AM
James,

No need to apologise - thanks for the timelapse. Certainly rotating there and incredible contrast. Two days in a row of supercells. I can tell you know, I knew exactly where you were in each of the photographs as I recognised the land features. You do not get much opportunity in the area making it hard to track down storms with limited photographic opportunities.

Regards,

Jimmy Deguara
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Jeff Brislane on 17 December 2008, 04:48:42 AM
Imagine if you were out climbimg Mt Barney on that day and got caught in a supercell! At that altitude you would have probably been inside the mesocyclone!
Title: RE: NSW / QLD Supercells: 10-11 Dec 2008
Post by: Michael Bath on 17 December 2008, 03:31:52 PM
Have finally uploaded all the pics of the supercell west of Lismore last week (10th December 2008). Have a look here (http://australiasevereweather.com/photography/photos/2008/mb20081210.html)