Massive late

Currently, supercell thunderstorms are divided into three main categories, low precipitation (LP), classic and high precipitation (HP). The classic supercell is the type most commonly recognized, but after almost three decades of observations by spotters, chasers and research groups, evidence is mounting that the HP supercell and its variations may be the most common stage of supercell evolution.

Low precipitation (LP) supercells produce wall clouds that are usually located southwest or west of the main precipitation core underneath a relatively small rain free base (e.g., less than one mile in diameter). The main precipitation area of LP storms may appear almost transparent. This appearance often hides the fact that many LP storms produce large to giant hail, but little liquid rain! Rarely does precipitation fall through the mesocyclone, with the exception of scattered large hailstones.

	Massive late-evening Mammutus formation near Demmitt, Texas. These formations indicate that a great deal of enegry and upper-air instability is present. Golf ball sized hail occurred with this storm a few minutes later.
	Looking east at sunset illuminated supercell cumulonimbus southeast of Midland, Texas on May 26, 1996. This is the lower flanking cell of a line of storms that developed northward reaching Iowa and spawned over 100 tornadoes.
	Looking west southwest at a wall cloud that was located Late spring thunderstorm looking southwest from Garland, Texas.
	Looking east at the top of a supercell thunderstorm updraft on May 26, 1996 at sunset, southeast of Midland, Texas
	Looking north at an HP supercell thunderstorm in southwestern Kansas during spring 1997.
	Looking north at the leading edge of a southwestern Kansas HP supercell thunderstorm.
	This cloud formation is a rolling gust front. It was accompanied by brief heavy winds to 78 MPH and followed by baseball size hail near Desoto, Kansas.
	Looking east at a storm with a large overshooting top. The storm was near Omaha, Nebraska, about 150 miles distant.