Tricky Storm Movement

[Gary Latimer]

I wasn’t sure where to ask this question so I figured I would ask it here…

I’m sure this is a very common phenomenon but I just personally haven’t noticed it most likely…as it relates to the confirmed tornado in Armada, Michigan last night.

The storm track for the Armada tornado was on a SouthEast track and upon reaching Armada, it took a rapid 90-degree turn to the NorthEast. I know storms can shift, often with little warning, but this one seems to take a rather abrupt track change, and I don’t see much of a mechanism for that change. Hoping some of the experienced Mets can provide some insight as the other two storms also in the radar images, keep marching on a SouthEast track… it’s only the Armada, MI storm that abruptly changes.

EDIT: This is from the KDTX radar at 20:30ET on July 24, 2021

 

[Jeff Duda]

Very likely representative of the mesocyclone occluding. It happens all the time.

 

[Gary Latimer]

Very likely representative of the mesocyclone occluding. It happens all the time.

Appreciate it Jeff… I will now be looking more into how mesoscale occlusions work since it’s just never been something I ever took notice of before. Should make for some interesting physics reading.

 

[James K]

I'm not great with this stuff...but on the reflectivity loop, it looks like there is some sort of cell merger that takes place in that area??