The Electrification of Severe Storms

Abstract

This review is concerned with electrification and lightning in severe weather. Based on substantial evidence that the electrical processes active in ordinary (nonsevere) thunderstorms are also present in severe storms, the initial discussion here is focused on ordinary thunderstorms. This material forms a physical basis for understanding the often marked departures in electrical behavior in severe storms, which are defined by exceedence criteria for surface wind speed [50 knots (26 m s−1)], hailstone diameter [3/4″ (19 mm)], and/or the occurrence of a tornado.