Date: 12-09-1998
Time: 13:42 BST
Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire UK
Type: Convectional Multicell
Documented by: Mark Seltzer
Equipment: Samsung VP-H65 Video Camera
Footage Quality: VHS

Storm Statistics: T0019.doc
Event Timeline: T0019events.xls

This storm was associated with strong instability running behind a Polar Maritime trough (north-westerlies with winds originating from Iceland). The airmass behind the trough originated from the Arctic regions, so the airmass could well have been as unstable as Arctic Maritime. It approached Macclesfield from the northwest down the Cheshire Gap with a large arcus cloud formation on its leading-edge. This showed that the cell had a continuous updraught and was capable of producing hail-shafts. Under the arcus cloud fell C-Gs which were visible in the distance as it approached.

Rain started to fall as it made its approach, and a very close discharge (possible off-camera C-G) gave a loud cracking bang of a low-amp nature. Then classically the hail set in and it started hitting the camera and bouncing across the carpet of the room, so I had to change the cam position swiftly to face south. The noise was quite deafening really for a time as it pelted the concrete outside. The hail stopped as a strange-shaped C-C occurred overhead. I then filmed the rest of the storm as it progressed SE.

It was the first storm I have filmed to be accompanied by a good hail shower at around 5-10mm diameter.

DUNDEE SATELLITE IMAGES (CREDITS)
VISIBLE 12.09.1998 13:42
INFRARED 12.09.1998 13:42

VISIBLE 12.09.1998 13:42 + Grid
INFRARED 12.09.1998 13:42 + Grid