Doppler Radar Application to Severe Thunderstorm Study and Potential Real-Time Warning

Abstract

Significant advances in single-Doppler radar application to severe storm study and identification have been made since 1965. Mesocyclones have been detected by Doppler radar and found to precede severe weather occurrence by several tens of minutes. A typical mesocyclone evolution leading to tornado development has also been documented. The tornado vortex itself has a revealing signature in Doppler radar data, the tornadic vortex signature (TVS). Statistics of both mesocyclone and TVS association with confirmed severe weather are presented in this paper. Doppler radar provides the potential for improving severe thunderstorm warnings. Experiments are underway to test the operational use of this new tool in storm warning and flight advisory services.