An%20Investigation%20of%20the%2026%20July%202006%20Downburst%20near%20Spearville,%20Kansas

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An Investigation of the 26 July 2006 Downburst
near Spearville, Kansas

• Jennifer Ritterling
• National Weather Service
• Dodge City, KS

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Wind Damage 26 July 2006
Photo by Jeff Hutton
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Wind Damage 26 July 2006
Photo by Jeff Hutton
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Wind Damage 26 July 2006
Photo by Jeff Hutton
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250 mb Analysis from 12Z
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500 mb Analysis from 12Z
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12Z Sounding
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Contaminated 00Z sounding

• Sounding
• was launched
• while
• convection was
• ongoing.

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12Z sounding modified for 22Z surface conditions
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Potential Downburst Type?
Intermediate/Hybrid
Large Positive Area
Elevated Dry Layer
Moist Layer
Little Capping Inversion
Dry Adiabatic Layer
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Surface Analysis at 21Z
Thanks to Jon Finch for assistance with analysis
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Storm initiation
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Storm Initiation
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Radar Loop
Thanks to Jeff Hutton for looping help
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0.5 Velocity at 2352Z
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Conclusions

• Forcing mechanisms for this event are somewhat
  unclear
• Sounding showed good potential for
  intermediate/hybrid type of downbursts
• Was this particular event predictable?
• Why did this particular storm produce such damage
  while others were minimally severe???