10/11/06 DISC: WV supercell

[Dan Robinson]

A long-lived supercell developed in eastern Kentucky and traversed the coalfields region of southern West Virginia on the evening of Wednesday, October 11, maintaining its circulation for approximately two hours before weakening. Supercells are extremely rare events in this part of the country, and this particular cell was remarkable in many respects. Here are level 2 radar captures of the storm through portions of its peak intensity across Mingo, Logan and Boone counties of West Virginia. Note the extremely rugged terrain evidenced by the relief shading and winding roads on the map. Our intercept location on Route 17 is marked as the red 'X' on the second image below - note the the extreme curves and mountains which made intercept and observation very difficult! Source for radar images comes from the NCDC software.

Well-defined hook at 22:03z (6:03PM) over rural Mingo County, WV

Velocity couplet at 22:24z near Logan, WV

The storm prompted a tornado warning for Mingo and Logan counties, but no tornado or damage was reported. Due to the terrain and sparse road network, it is possible that any tornado or damage path would not have been visible from available roads in the area. An aerial survey may be the only way to observe and confirm damage.

More imagery - reflectivity:
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2203zs.jpg
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2214z.jpg
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2219z.jpg
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2224z.jpg
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2239z.jpg

Velocity:
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2214zvel.jpg
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2219zvel.jpg
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2224zvel.jpg
http://wvlightning.com/oct1106/2240zvel.jpg