A storm-relative velocity field is useful for assessing which hazard?

• A. It highlights precipitation rate.
• B. It identifies storm top altitude.
• C. It measures humidity levels.
• D. It highlights rotation and gust fronts, aiding tornado potential assessment.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that storm-relative velocity filters out the storm’s forward motion so you can see wind patterns associated with the storm itself. By removing the bulk motion, rotational features and gust fronts become clearer in the velocity field. This makes it easier to spot mesocyclone rotation and the sharp, leading-edge winds of outflow boundaries, both of which are important signals for tornado potential assessment. The other options don’t fit because storm-relative velocity isn’t a direct measure of precipitation rate, humidity, or storm top altitude. Those aspects are provided by other radar products or methods, while SRV specifically emphasizes rotation and gust fronts relative to the storm’s motion.