Understanding the science and power of a supercell

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Supercells are the powerhouse of thunderstorms, they are capable of producing large hail, damaging winds, and long track tornadoes. What makes a supercell so special?

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A supercell is a thunderstorm with a rotating updraft, which is classified as a mesocyclone. The rotating updraft is what sets a supercell apart from a typical thunderstorm. In order for a supercell to develop, you need several ingredients such as moisture, instability, and wind shear (wind changing in speed and direction with height).

Instability creates rapid storm development, moisture drives updraft speed, and wind shear generates mesocyclone rotation. Stronger updraft speeds in the supercell create larger hailstones.

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Supercells are classified into three categories, classic, high precipitation, and low precipitation.

Classic - Evenly distributed mesocyclone with the potential for tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain

Low precipitation - Intense mesocyclone with less rain

High precipitation - Heavy rain-wrapped mesocyclone, harder-to-spot tornadoes

Understanding the science behind these mesocyclones helps meteorologists forecast severe weather to keep you safe and informed.