Supercell

Storm cloud supercells are among the most powerful convective systems on Earth, capable of releasing energy on the order of 10^15 joules over their lifespan, comparable to the energy released by a small nuclear bomb.

This energy comes from the latent heat released as vast quantities of warm, moist air rise and condense into towering cumulonimbus clouds that can exceed 15–20 km in height.

The strong updrafts—often over 50 m/s—help maintain a persistent rotating mesocyclone, driving severe weather phenomena such as giant hail, damaging straight-line winds, and sometimes tornadoes.

The intense electrical activity within supercells also generates millions of volts across cloud layers, supporting frequent lightning discharges that further redistribute energy and maintain the dynamic, turbulent structure of these massive storm systems.