Radar X-Ray detects small, but powerful storms
ABC13's exclusive Radar X-Ray identified several thunderstorms that were topping out over 50,0000' Wednesday afternoon.
Radar X-Ray slices through thunderstorms to see what's inside the clouds. The image above shows a cluster of storms east of Lake Livingston, as seen during 13 Eyewitness News at 6.
The first line on the graph indicates a height 20,000' above the ground. Each additional line represents another 10,000'. The storm on the left side is about 35,000' tall, while the stronger storm on the right is about 55,000' high! Thunderstorms this tall often produce large hail and gusty, damaging winds along with extremely heavy rainfall. You can also see how the upper level winds have displaced the top of the thunderstorm to the east of the rain core.
Here's a screen capture of the thunderstorm that was rumbling along the West Loop about 8:30 PM Wednesday. The main rain core was only 35,000' high. But looking out the window, you could see clouds bubbling up over other clouds, which Radar X-Ray also shows here. Another cluster of storms over eastern Liberty County is visible on the right side of the image.
This radar analysis tool allows us to show you when thunderstorms are getting stronger or weaker and gives you advance warning of a possible severe storm. And you'll see it only ABC13.






















Here's something that will make your head spin: the mathematic equation that explains how MegaDoppler 13 HD sees a single raindrop as it falls through the atmosphere.




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