Validating model simulations of a winter storm with a precipitation profiling radar

Ground-based and space-borne radar have been widely used as a validating tool for mesoscale numerical simulations. Studies have shown that a validation work should be based upon consistencies between assumptions in the model physics schemes and in the radar observations. In this study, we apply observation of a S-band precipitation profiling radar (S-prof) to verify numerical simulations of a landfalling winter cyclone in the U.S. West Coast on December 30-31, 2005, during a field campaign of the NOAA Hydrometeorological Testbed (HMT) program. Simulated radar reflectivities and terminal velocities (Vt) of precipitation hydrometeors are assessed. Sensitivity of different microphysical schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model on precipitation structure and their influences on reflectivity and Doppler velocity calculations are examined.