Sunday, August 23, 2015

Possible rotation, tornado SW of Hastings MI in Barry County

This one has me somewhat alarmed.  Not only is there an indication of rotation, but also what appears to be a hook echo on radar with a possible debris ball.


Hook/pendant with the area of rotation
The Correlation Coefficient is a dual polarization product in Doppler Radar which checks to see how reflectivity in a given area "correlates" with its surroundings by hitting it with beams at two different angles.  This "spike" angled out from the direction of the radar tower may mean that the beam hit something solid, like debris.
The "specific differential phase" is another dual polarization product which attempts to see rain only and ignore frozen precipitation or solid objects.  Those black dots surrounding the circled area may indicate such objects.
This could indicate the presence of a damaging tornado.  If anyone is in the area seek shelter until the storm has passed.  If you safely spot any damage, report it to the NWS Grand Rapids' Facebook Page.

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