Simulations of right- and left-moving storms produced through storm splitting

Using a three-dimensional numerical cloud model, self-sustaining right- and left-moving storms are simulated which arise through splitting of the original storm. The right-moving storm develops a structure which bears strong resemblance to Browning's (1964) conceptual model, while the left-moving storm has mirror image characteristics. By altering the direction of the environmental shear at low and middle levels, either the right- or the left-moving storm can be selectively enhanced. Specifically, if the wind hodograph turns clockwise with height, a single right-moving storm envolves from the splitting process. Conversely, counterclockwise turning of the hodograph favors development of the left-moving storm.