An Interesting Mesoscale Storm-Environment Interaction Observed Just Prior to Changes in Severe Storm Behavior

Abstract

Abstract Satellite images are presented to illustrate an interesting interaction that occurred between a severe thunderstorm and a mesoscale feature that originated in its nearby environment. Immediately following that interaction, a series of tornadoes began, starting with a long-lived F5 tornado that produced major damage in Hesston, Kansas. Some speculation is presented regarding the physical processes that may have contributed to the observed changes in thunderstorm behavior.