Supercells often can be identified by viewing Doppler radar images. A classic supercell has several distinctive characteristics on radar including the hook echo, areas of enhanced reflectivity, and a bounded weak echo region. A low-level hook is often present on the right rear side of the storm.

A supercell is a thunderstorm characterized by the presence of a mesocyclone, a deep, persistently rotating updraft. Due to this, these storms are sometimes referred to as rotating thunderstorms.

Tornadoes come from mainly two types of thunderstorms: supercell and non-supercell.

Supercells can last two to six hours. They are the most likely storm to produce spectacular wind and hail damage as well as powerful tornadoes.