During the evening hours of June 27th, we noticed that GLM average flash area data was indicating a substantial flash from the main core of storms over northeast AL/northwest GA towards middle TN.  This occurred around June 28th, 0130Z-0140Z, and I have included both a screen shot and animation for this flash.  Though no DSS events were scheduled over this particular area, it would be of great benefit to utilize this for potential lightning impacts at outdoor events–where lightning is occurring well away from the storm core/updraft. Also of note was the GLM flash extent density showing a noticeable jump throughout the evening with the stronger updrafts. This aided in the decision to keep a significant weather advisory in place for these storms.

For purposes of calibration and given my experience with utilizing GLM data at a recent HWT (May), I prefer having a four panel display in D2D. ENTLN data overlaid on Flash Extent Density while the other available parameters (Average Flash Area and Total Optical Energy) are on two other panels.

Figure 1: Four panel of GLM data with MRMS Composite reflectivity in bottom left, annotated Average Flash area in bottom right, flash extent density with overlaid ENTLN data in top left, and Total Optical Energy in top right.

The nice thing is that there were generally no latency issues noted other than intermittent 2-3 minute delays to real time.

Re-post from https://nasasport.wordpress.com/2018/06/27/glm-detection-of-anvil-lightning/.