During Spring 2003, high-resolution reflectivity and Doppler velocity data were collected in tornadic storms using the National Severe Storms Laboratory's testbed WSR-88D (KOUN) in Norman, OK. Operational WSR-88Ds record data at azimuthal intervals of 1.0 deg and range intervals of 1.0 km for reflectivity and 0.25 km for Doppler velocity. However, with the testbed WSR-88D, higher-resolution data were recorded at azimuthal intervals of 0.5 deg and range intervals of 0.25 km for both reflectivity and Doppler velocity. In order to directly compare high-resolution data with coarser operational data, the high-resolution data values were combined to replicate operational data.

With higher-resolution data, mesocyclone and tornadic vortex signatures are stronger and severe storm reflectivity signatures have greater clarity. Comparisons are presented showing the significant improvements that are attainable with higher- resolution 0.5 deg and 0.25 km data.