A WR-110-5/EEC C-band meteorological radar was installed and has been in operation in the Eastern Coast of Northeastern Brazil at about 10°S and 36°W since the end of 2002. Technical specifications of the radar are given. The dynamic mechanisms that produce rain over the Eastern Coast were reviewed. The rainfall associated with disturbances in the easterlies is one of the main mechanisms and are difficult to be predicted because they are mesoescale weather events and forecast models do not have high enough resolution. These disturbance grow very fast and can produce severe weather with rainfall total over 300 mm day^-1 if the coastal sea surface temperature is above 28°C. The radar is an invaluable tool for nowcasting these events. A case study of February 19th 2003 was reported.