Real-time implementation of tropical cyclone-specific radar data processing algorithms

In order to better depict the tropical cyclone wind field in the operational environment, the NOAA/Tropical Prediction Center has sought techniques using Doppler radar data in real-time. A cooperative effort with AOML/Hurricane Research Division and NCAR has resulted in significant progress both in developing a methodology whereby radar imagery is used as a proxy for full resolution digital data, and in developing analysis techniques using the proxy data. This methodology will be described. Specific examples are given using the Ground-based velocity track display algorithm, which gives an estimate of the total wind from the single-Doppler velocities, and the Principal Component Analysis center-finding technique, both using data collected during Hurricane Debby, 22 August, 2000. Results are validated against aircraft reconnaissance winds. This work represents a step towards building a complementary suite of algorithms which describes the tropical cyclone wind field.