Short-term Prediction Research
and Transition Center

Meetings - Abstract

The North Alabama Lightning Array (LMA) became operational at the National Weather Service (NWS) Office in Huntsville Alabama in April 2003. Since that time, the total lightning information provided by the LMA and National Lightning Detection Network (NLDN) have been used by NWS forecasters to diagnose trends in convective updrafts, separate intensifying from weakening cells, and identify storms that are approaching severe limits. Initial case studies have provided encouraging results that point to the added value of total lightning information in the warning decision making process.

During two significant weather events, one on May 6 th 2003 and another on March 5 th 2004, the LMA data provided critical clues concerning the evolution of severe weather across the Huntsville County Warning Area. On both occasions, there were large lightning “jumps” that preceded the development of tornadoes by several minutes. A lightning hole was also evident in the intense HP supercell that produced extensive flash flooding and tornadoes in the Huntsville area on May 6 th. This presentation will give a brief overview of the two case studies along with some of the training, science, and technical issues that have been encountered as a result of the inclusion of total lightning information in the operational forecast and warning environment.