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Items 2007 Detailed observations of severe weather used to support phased-array radar
Severe weather events observed by the NOAA NWRT phased array radar (PAR) this spring will be documented in detail by NOAA NSSL researchers in support of PAR application development and data analysis. The project is part of the 2007 spring National Weather Radar Testbed Demonstration.
Detailed data about tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds from microbursts and larger scale convective systems are being collected to provide high-density verification information for PAR. Several effective and inexpensive techniques for data gathering are being used including post-event telephone calls to the public, damage surveys using EF-damage scale rating software, GPS logging, geo-referenced photography and interfacing with spotternetwork.org for real-time chaser/spotter reports and post-event “web-clippings” from news services.
The observations will be merged with data from the PAR to refine applications and data analysis techniques currently under development at NSSL in support of the development of scientifically sound severe storm guidance applications and techniques.
Background: The spring 2007 NWRT Demonstration multi-faceted experiments all support the investigation of the utility of PAR in forecasting, modeling, and warning environments.
Significance: This project raises public awareness of severe weather hazards and safety by involving consituents in active science experiments and supports the overall goal to develop scientifically sound severe storm guidance for informed decision making.
6/4/07