The Benefits and Cost of NEXRAD Weather Radar

The National Weather Service installed a nationwide system of Doppler weather radars (NEXRAD) during the 1990s. Doppler radar was adapted for weather surveillance through a cooperative research effort by the Departments of Commerce, Transportation and Defense and represents an important public sector investment in infrastructure. Doppler radars have led to improved tornado warnings and rainfall estimates. We estimate and evaluate the benefits to society from tornadoes and floods attributable to the NEXRAD system as well as the cost of development and deployment of the system.