The Radar You See on TV Versus What the Meteorologists Are Watching

By -
One of the reasons for the huge death toll in the Joplin tornado was the fact the tornado could not be seen with the naked eye due to it being wrapped in rain and hail. Those tornadoes scare meteorologists to death because we know there are many people who will not take shelter unless they can see the tornado for themselves.

Because I am home ill today, I've had to time to follow a supercell thunderstorm that has produced a tornado intermittently from the northeast side of the Houston metro area on into Liberty County. I thought you'd like some insight into what I have been looking at.

The radar "reflectivity" data (what you see on TV) does not show a hook.  However, I was able to define the threatened areas (yellow arrows) because I was able to look at the internal wind structure.  

This is the internal wind data from the Terminal Doppler weather radar serving George Bush Intercontinental Airport. You can clearly see the rotating wind "couplet." 

Where the brown/green touches is where the tornado is located. Prior to Doppler radar, I would have been nearly impossible to track this type of tornado. 


There have been reports of damage with this tornado but we are unsure of the extent at this point. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 8, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    How do the rest of us see this sort of detail? What's a good site for Doppler radar and an easy-to-understand guide for reading it?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mike SmithNovember 8, 2011 at 4:13 PM

    There aren't any free sites that provide the detailed Doppler wind data that I know of. Weatherunderground does have the medium resolution Doppler wind data.

    Interpreting the data is not easy. If you wish to try, here is a start: www.nssl.noaa.gov/papers/dopplerguide/Doppler%20Guide%202nd%20Ed.pdf

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn...
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue i...
Read more