Convective Structure of Hurricanes as Revealed by Lightning Locations

Abstract

Cloud-to-ground lightning flash locations were examined for nine Atlantic basin hurricanes using data from the National Lightning Detection Network. A common radial distribution in ground flash density was evident: a weak maximum in the eyewall region, a clear minimum 80-100 km outside the eyewall, and a strong maximum in the vicinity of outer rainbands (210-290-km radius). These results are consistent with the authors' previous study of Hurricane Andrew. None of the storms showed this characteristic radial structure during prehurricane stages.