What is characterized as a Thunderstorm Super Cell?

A Thunderstorm Super Cell is defined as a thunderstorm cell that lasts more than one hour and exhibits both tilting and rotation. This characteristic of tilting and rotating is critical, as it allows the storm to become organized and sustain itself for an extended period, differentiating it from typical thunderstorms that may be shorter-lived and less structured. The rotation is often associated with a mesocyclone, which can lead to severe weather phenomena, including damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes.

In contrast, brief thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall do not possess the longevity or organized structure characteristic of supercells. A collection of small thunderstorms would not have the defined rotation and sustained nature of a supercell. Lastly, winter thunderstorms, which may occur in seasons with colder conditions, lack the dynamics typical of supercells and are not specifically identified by the same characteristics. Thus, the defining feature of a supercell is its ability to sustain itself through rotation and longevity.