NOAA NSSL’s new mobile radar captures dual-pol data on Hurricane Ike

The first dual-polarized Doppler radar data of a landfalling hurricane eyewall was collected as Hurricane Ike came ashore in Texas last weekend. The data was collected by a new mobile dual-polarized X-band radar (called NO-XP) built and operated by NOAA NSSL and the University of Oklahoma. Radars with dual-polarization capabilities — radio waves that are sent out both horizontally and vertically — can more accurately determine precipitation types and amounts.

The radar was positioned near Lake Jackson, TX and collected data on Hurricane Ike from about 5 PM CDT through about 7 AM CDT. NO-XP was on the edge of the western portion of the eyewall, and the maximum wind gust at their location was 84 MPH. From their position, the NO-XP combined with the Houston, TX WSR-88D (HGX) radar will create a dual-doppler region that encompasses most of the western half of Ike’s eye. Another mobile radar operated by the University of Alabama-Huntsville was on the north side of Houston and was able to collect data on the eastern half of Ike’s eye. Dual-polarization data was collected during the entire period.

NSSL’s field command vehicle and a mobile mesonet were also in Texas providing support.

The NO-XP is a new mobile radar built to study precipitation processes as well as severe weather and became operational in April 2008. Research data provided by the NO-XP will help improve the quality and accuracy of forecasts and warnings of hazardous weather.

The NO-XP’s predecessors, two SMART-Rs, or Shared Mobile Atmospheric Research and Teaching Radars, have collected data on similar storms. In September 2001, the mobile C-band radar jointly owned by NSSL, OU, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, intercepted a land-falling tropical cyclone, T.S. Gabrielle, in Florida. The SMART-Rs also captured data from Hurricane Lili in 2003 and Hurricane Isabel in 2005.

September 15, 2008