New Weather Radars Enable Real-Time Storm Tracking for Enhanced Public Safety The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has introduced advanced mobile weather radars designed to provide real-time tracking of severe storms, significantly improving forecasting accuracy and public safety. These radars, developed by NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, are capable of monitoring tornadoes, hail storms, flash flooding, and extreme wind events with unprecedented detail. By deploying these systems directly into storm-prone areas, researchers can gather critical data from the lowest levels of storms, where many hazardous weather phenomena originate. The technology incorporates two X-band radars, which are highly sensitive to small particles such as raindrops and hail, and one C-band radar, optimized for performance in heavy rainfall. This combination allows scientists to measure wind speed and direction within storms with greater precision. DaNa Carlis, director of NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory, emphasized that the new radars represent a major advancement for forecasters and emergency management officials. “These tools provide a clearer, more immediate view of storm dynamics, enabling faster identification of threats and more targeted warnings,” Carlis stated. Pam Heinselman, deputy director of the lab, highlighted the practical benefits of the system. “The detailed data from these radars helps us pinpoint exactly where and how storms are evolving, which is crucial for issuing timely alerts,” she explained. Kurt Hondl, associate director, added that having multiple radars operating simultaneously on a single storm creates a more comprehensive picture of its structure and behavior.#national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #kurt_hondl #national_severe_storms_laboratory #dana_carlis #pam_heinselman
Storm ready: NOAA’s new mobile radar fleet bridges gap between research and weather safety NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) has unveiled three advanced mobile weather radars designed to enhance the agency’s ability to study and improve early warnings for tornadoes, severe storms, flash floods, and wildfires. These radars, mounted on heavy-duty trucks, will allow researchers to deploy high-quality observational tools directly into hazardous weather environments, providing real-time data to refine forecasts and protect public safety. The initiative marks a significant step forward in bridging the gap between research and operational weather monitoring. The new fleet includes two trucks equipped with X-band radars, which use shorter wavelengths (3 cm) to detect smaller particles like raindrops and hail, and one truck carrying a C-band radar (5 cm wavelength) optimized for measuring heavy precipitation and large particles. While X-band radars offer greater sensitivity to small-scale features, they can struggle with data quality in dense precipitation. C-band radars, though less detailed in resolution, provide more reliable measurements during intense rainfall events. This combination allows NOAA to gather comprehensive data across a range of weather conditions. The mobile radars are designed for rapid deployment to areas experiencing extreme weather, enabling scientists to position instruments closer to storms and wildfires. This proximity allows for detailed observations of atmospheric processes that are difficult to capture with fixed radar networks. For example, the radars can scan the lowest levels of storms where tornadoes form, offering unprecedented insights into wind patterns and storm organization. “This is a game changer for public safety,” said DaNa Carlis, director of NSSL.#noaa #national_severe_storms_laboratory #vorTEX_usa #da_na_carlis #kurt_hondl
