This photograph of a cumulonimbus cloud was taken near Fort Lupton, Colorado. You can see some towers growing in this cloud.
Click on image for full size
Photo courtesy of Gregory Thompson

Supercell Thunderstorms and Squall Lines

A supercell thunderstorm is a huge rotating thunderstorm. It can last for several hours. These storms are likely to form long lasting tornadoes and large hail. There are two types of supercell thunderstorms. One type brings lots of precipitation and causes flash floods. The other type brings low amounts of precipitation and develops tornadoes and large hail.

A squall line is a system of several thunderstorms together in a line. Squall lines usually form between a cold front and a warm front. A squall line can produce lots of precipitation and strong winds. There are two types of squall lines. One type is a line of cumulonimbus clouds. The other type is a line of supercell thunderstorms.

Last modified May 27, 2010 by Becca Hatheway.

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