Extended Abstract (880K)P6.18
The impacts of thunderstorm geometry and WSR-88D beam characteristics on diagnosing supercell tornadoes
Steven F. Piltz, NOAA/NWSFO, Tulsa, OK; and D. W. Burgess
Observations of WSR-88D radar data from the tornadic and non-tornadic phases of select supercell thunderstorms are investigated. Under certain circumstances, data artifacts relating to storm cell geometry and WSR-88D beam characteristics can occur and appear very similar to storm-scale circulation signatures. These signatures can be of sufficient magnitude, and possess enough spacial and temporal continuity, to suggest a significant probability that a tornado is occurring or imminent.
This paper discusses the affects of radar beam side-lobe contamination and storm inflow characteristics as causes for a portion of these velocity signatures. Impacts of these signatures to National Weather Service warning operations and storm path-casting are briefly explored.
Poster Session 6, Severe Weather and Mesoscale Meteorology
Tuesday, 6 October 2009, 1:30 PM-3:30 PM, President's Ballroom
Previous paper Next paper