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This article analyses two long-lived supercell thunderstorms formed on 11th May 2017 afternoon in a complex topographic area in northern Catalonia (NE Iberian Peninsula). The objectives of this paper are (i) to document a case study that affected a mountainous region in the southern side of the Pyrenees, (ii) to describe thermodynamic and dynamic environmental conditions, (iii) to study how the topography affects the life cycle of both storm cells and (iv) to demonstrate the high correlation between Lightning Jump and radar parameters in complex terrain. ERA5 reanalysis was used to assess the synoptic framework and environmental storm conditions, whereas remote-sensing data (Doppler radar, satellite and lightning observations) and terrain characteristics were considered to study the evolution of both cells. Reanalysis data revealed some differences between preconvective environments for both thunderstorms, showing more favourable conditions for supporting supercells (i.e. stronger deep-layer shear) for the first thunderstorm than for the second one. The analysis suggests substantial interaction between topography and storm cells, influencing their internal dynamics and the development of mesocyclones. The results of this study contribute to enhance our understanding of supercell storms evolution on mountain areas and may be useful to increase the situational awareness of weather forecasters in future similar convective storm events over complex terrain regions.
•Supercells rarely occur in the Pyrenees and its surrounding area, and few cases have been reported.•The event shows an extraordinary case with two probable supercells in few hours.•Remote sensing and NWP fields show many supercell signatures, although the ground registers lack makes difficult to confirm.•There were many differences between both supercells, although the track and the environment were similar.•The topography played a significant role in the life cycle of the supercells in the thunderstorm scale.