Rapid-Scan Dual-Polarization WSR-88D Observations of Oklahoma Hailstorms on 26 March 2017

On 26 March 2017, severe hailstorms producing hailstones to at least 83 mm (3.25 inches) in diameter occurred within 125 km of the KOUN WSR-88D (located in Norman, OK). KOUN is a research WSR-88D that has been modified to allow for sector scans (versus the full 360 degree scanning of operational WSR-88Ds). Hence, it can do focused scanning of limited areas of interest at shorter update intervals than an operational WSR-88D. This study examines the evolution of several dual-polarization (DP) parameters observed in the hailstorms by KOUN from 2100 UTC to 0054 UTC (on 27 March). The KOUN observations are compared to corresponding DP observations from KTLX (the nearest operational WSR-88D) and KCRI (a WSR-88D test radar located 0.35 km NE of KOUN) to assess the benefits of shorter update times.