Fall 2008
The National Weather Radar Testbed PAR captures a tropical storm
T.S. Erin rain bands and "eye" as captured by PAR.
NSSL scientists Doug Forsyth and Pam Heinselman recently reported on the unusual opportunity to scan a tropical cyclone with an experimental radar located far from the coast. Using the National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar (NWRT PAR) in Norman, OK, scientists captured images of Tropical Storm Erin last fall as the unusual weather event re-intensified over the state near the NWRT and produced 8 inches of rain.
The NWRT completed full volume scans of T.S. Erin at rates between 30-43 seconds, compared to the WSR-88D radar's 4.1 minutes.
Scientists reported a potential benefit of PAR in scanning land-falling tropical cyclones is the ability to focus data collection on weather features with greatest capability to be hazardous. Scanning time can be used judiciously rather than using scanning time to collect data where no echo exists. This creates higher user confidence in location, intensity and movement of circulations. Another benefit is the potential for increased lead-time for tornado warnings.
Earlier detection of hazardous severe weather using PAR has strong potential
to aid forecasters in providing more accurate and timely warnings of high-impact
weather events that disrupt economic productivity and cause loss of life
and property.