AMBER: Student Experiences and Products for Operational Use

AMBER (Areal Mean Basin Estimated Rainfall) is a software application that uses rainfall estimates from the WSR-88D precipitation algorithm to determine where flash flooding is likely. AMBER computes the average basin rainfall for basins in the radar's coverage area every volume scan. The probability of flooding is determined by AMBER by comparing the average basin rainfall with flash flood guidance. The project has involved setting up AMBER to run in the Jackson, MS, National Weather Service Forecast Office. This has involved the downloading and manipulation of various types of data compatible with the software and the delineation of major, primary and river basin maps. Ultimately the results will be applied to WDSS and be instrumental in the prediction and warning for flash flooding in the Jackson NWS Office's County Warning Area. The student's experiences in preparing and using the system will be highlighted.