Definition

An atmospheric vortex associated with the Gust Front ahead of a severe Cumulonimbus (Cb) (Thunderstorm) cell.

Description

Strong downdrafts of rain/Hail cooled air from the advancing edge of a Thunderstorm create strong, straight line winds ahead of the storm. The leading edge of this mass of cooled air, where it meets warmer surface air, is called the Gust Front. The gust front may be 2 or 3 nautical miles ahead of the storm.