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.

Why do severe thunderstorms last longer than ordinary thunderstorms?

Ordinary thunderstorms do not last much longer than an hour because the downdrafts begin to cut off the updrafts. But severe thunderstorms have vertical wind shear at different levels that keep the storm in the mature stage longer. … This prevents the downdrafts from cutting off the updrafts.

How does a supercell work?

Supercells derive their rotation through tilting of horizontal vorticity (an invisible horizontal vortex) caused by wind shear. Strong updrafts lift the air turning about a horizontal axis and cause this air to turn about a vertical axis. This forms the deep rotating updraft, the mesocyclone.