Jackie:
The Impact of Cold-Air Damming on Precipitation Intensity during South Carolina’s 2015 Flood
This study examines observed precipitation accumulations, reanalysis datasets, and WRF-ARW model output to characterize the effect terrain, specifically through cold-air damming (CAD), has upon the evolution of rainfall during the 2015 October 1-5 South Carolina flooding event. Differences between reanalysis and operational forecast solutions of the strength of temperature gradients and wind flow for this event coincide with marked differences in the timing and intensity of the resulting precipitation. Given that orographic flow modification can influence the risk for flooding depending on the intensity, duration, and placement of that precipitation in a watershed, terrain modification experiments of the event using WRF-ARW are used to quantify the impact that the Appalachian Mountains have on CAD during this event to investigate the extent it influences the characteristics of precipitation. An understanding of extreme precipitation and indirect forms of orographic enhancement of precipitation can aid in weather and risk prediction of possible damages to aging water management infrastructure, especially in regions such as the eastern seaboard of the United States, which experience tropical systems from the Atlantic Ocean and orographic influence from the nearby Appalachian Mountains.
Garrett:
Impacts of Cold Pool Strength on Tornado Production in Quasi-linear Convective Systems