Wind Speed Estimation In Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Other Windstorms using Radar

As part of the ASCE Wind Speed Estimation in Tornadoes and Other Windstorms, a draft standard of a method to use radar measurements to determine wind speeds in tornadoes and other windstorms has been developed. The method involves determining the quality of the radar measurements and their documentation. Quality of measurements is determined by height above the ground, proximity in time and space to the location being analyzed for wind speed, and other factors. Extensive documentation facilitating repeatability of analysis is required for the highest quality wind speed evaluations. Techniques are prescribed for adjusting for radar sampling, angles of observation, tornado propagation speed, and other factors. Corrections for the height of the radar observation are not made in this current version, even though the scientific literature suggests that winds in tornadoes are often stronger near the ground, usually below the lowest radar observation level. Wind speeds can be calculated for multiple locations and at multiple times at individual locations within tornadoes and other wind storms.