Supercells predicted to bring stormy weather to Valley
THE Clarence Valley could be in for a stormy time this weekend, with weather forecasters warning 'supercell thunderstorms' could strike the region.
"Supercell thunderstorms are likely across north-east NSW and south-east Queensland this weekend and have the potential to cause flash flooding, damaging winds and large hail," said the senior meteorologist at The Weather Channel, Tom Saunders.
"Supercells are the most dangerous type of storm and develop where wind shear is present through a very unstable atmosphere.
"The wind shear leads to rotation within the storm and a longer lifespan. Supercells often cause very heavy rain and flash flooding, large hail, damaging winds gusts and occasionally tornadoes.
"The main inhibitors for storm development will be cloud through the morning, which prevents air rising from the surface and onshore winds which keep temperatures down and reduce instability.
"For Brisbane, storm potential on Saturday depends on the timing of a cool, south-easterly change. If the change arrives too early in the day then storms are less likely. There is a greater chance of storms on Sunday, with northerly winds likely for the majority of the day.
"The more intense thunderstorms this weekend have the potential to cause around 50mm of rain but most of north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland should receive at least 20mm.
"The chance of severe storms will reduce by Monday as the trough moves offshore."
