April 28, 2002 Doppler Radar Returns from the Sterling NWS Forecast Office
Series of Doppler Radar Reflectivity returns of the LaPlata storm, over Fauquier County, about one hour before the Supercell produced an F4 Tornado that struck LaPlata, MD.

Upper left time was 1745 EST - Note appendage from storm

 

Upper right time was 1751 EST - Note hook forming. This was time of the photos of the funnel cloud.

 

 

 

 

 

Lower left time was 1757 EST - Note well defined hook/notch with lower reflectivities.

 

Lower right time was 1804 EST - Note somewhat weaker hook/notch as storm moved east at around 50 mph.