Significant Events Observed By the Mzzu X-Band Dual-Polarization Radar in Its First 2 Years of Operation

The MZZU X-band dual-polarization radar was installed in July 2015 with the aim of providing detailed hydrological monitoring over the Mid-Missouri area. The coverage area of the radar falls between those of the National Weather Service S-band radars at St. Louis (KLSX) and Pleasant Hill (KEAX), and its observations can therefore be valuable in providing additional high-resolution and low-level information on storms moving across Missouri. This paper will present an overview of the operations of the MZZU radar focusing on its observations of significant weather events for which use of the radar enhanced, or had the potential to enhance, operational activities at the nearby National Weather Service Forecast Offices.

The work will present analyses from 6^th March 2017, when a tornado warning was issued for Columbia, MO between the occurrence of significant tornadoes in Oak Grove, MO and Wentzville, MO amongst others. Other events of note were the tornadoes that touched down north of Columbia on 6^th July 2016 and the heavy rain and flooding event of 3^rd July 2016.