Severe Thunderstorms: Hail + Straight-Line Winds Quiz
Learn about the damage signatures, radar clues, and essential safety actions for severe thunderstorms (10 questions).
Severe Thunderstorms: Hail + Straight-Line Winds Quiz: Quick Study Notes
Severe thunderstorms can unleash destructive forces, primarily through large hail and powerful straight-line winds. Understanding their distinct damage signatures, recognizing their presence on radar, and knowing appropriate safety actions are crucial for protection and preparedness. This section provides a concise overview to deepen your knowledge of these potent weather phenomena.
Key Concepts Overview
Key Takeaways
- Hail Impact: Hail damage is characterized by uniform pitting and denting, often on windward sides of structures and vehicles.
- Straight-Line Wind Patterns: Look for parallel tree falls and debris scattered in a single direction, distinguishing it from tornado damage.
- Radar Reflectivity: High reflectivity (60+ dBZ) on radar, especially with a “three-body scatter spike,” can indicate large hail.
- Doppler Velocity: Velocity radar is key for identifying strong outward wind patterns (divergence) at low altitudes, signaling downbursts.
- Bow Echo Significance: A bow echo on radar suggests a squall line producing intense straight-line winds and potential for widespread damage.
- Indoor Shelter: For both hail and straight-line winds, the safest place is inside a sturdy building, preferably in an interior room on the lowest floor.
- Vehicle Safety: If driving, find a garage or other sturdy overhead cover. Avoid seeking shelter under overpasses during strong winds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between straight-line wind damage and tornado damage?
Straight-line wind damage typically shows debris scattered in one general direction, with trees often falling parallel. Tornado damage, in contrast, often displays convergent or rotational patterns, with debris scattered chaotically or twisted.
How does radar help detect hail and straight-line winds?
Radar detects hail through high reflectivity (high dBZ values) within a storm, sometimes extending very high. Velocity (Doppler) radar helps detect straight-line winds by showing rapid outward motion (divergence) at low levels, indicating downbursts, or characteristic “bow echoes” in squall lines.
What is a ‘bow echo’ on radar, and why is it important?
A bow echo is a distinctive radar signature where a line of thunderstorms forms a bow shape. It’s important because it often indicates the presence of powerful straight-line winds, including downbursts, which can cause significant damage over wide areas.
What are the immediate safety steps if large hail starts falling?
If indoors, stay away from windows. If outdoors, seek sturdy shelter immediately. If in a car, pull over to a safe, covered location (like a parking garage) and cover your head. Avoid underpasses as they offer no protection from flying debris and can block traffic.
How can I protect my property from severe straight-line winds and hail?
Secure loose outdoor items like patio furniture. Trim dead or weak tree branches. Close and secure all windows and doors. Consider storm shutters or plywood for extreme hail threats. During a storm, move vehicles into a garage or under a strong overhang.
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