One ingredient that is unique to supercell thunderstorms is that the direction of the vertical wind field often turns with increased height. As depicted in the graphic above, at low levels typically winds are out of the South to SE. This low-level flow brings warm and humid air into an area. At upper levels, winds turn to more of a westerly or Southwesterly direction. Such winds are usually driven by a strong jetstream, and this flow typically brings in cool and dry air. Such a directional wind profile helps create strong rotating updrafts in thunderstorms.

This map highlights a product called SRH (Storm Relative Helicity), which takes into account the amount of vertical wind shear in the atmosphere an infers areas where there is a potential for tornadic producing supercells. Presently and throughout the day values look to remain on the high side across our area.

We're monitoring all activity and will be advising you via cut-ins on-air and on the web as deemed necessary. Check back for updates through the day.