OSKALOOSA —
Weather warnings have come a long way in only a few decades. They're about to get better.
According to the National Weather Service, over a span of two weeks starting Sept. 10, the Doplar radar used by the National Weather Service in Des Moines will be upgraded. For this two week period, radar data will not be available from the NWS in Des Moines. However, surrounding Doplar radars in Sioux Falls, S.D., Quad Cities, Iowa, and Omaha, Neb., and others will be operational.
Jamey Robinson, Mahaska County Emergency Management coordinator, said the upgrade will allow for better storm prediction. Robinson said the upgrade, known as “dual polarization,” will also allow those at the NWS to better gage the severity of a storm complex. He also noted that the upgrade will improve local use of sirens and storm spotters during potentially dangerous weather like severe storms, which can produce tornadoes.
The upgrade will allow for 14 new radar products and services to be available to the public, according to the NWS. Dual-Pol will also allow forecasters to identify what type of precipitation is falling, as well as help improve rainfall estimates.
Doplar radars currently in use by the NWS transmit and receive radio waves in a horizontal orientation, according to the NWS. This results in the radar only measuring horizontal dimensions of “targets” such as cloud and precipitation droplets. The Dual-Pol radar transmits and receives pulses in both horizontal and vertical orientations.
Dual-Pol is expected to show significant improvements in the estimation of precipitation rates, as well as the ability to tell the difference between hail and rain, according to the NWS. The radar upgrade will also improve the ability to identify areas of heavy rainfall typically linked with flash flood events. It is also expected that there will be improved detection and mitigation of non-weather related radar echoes such as smoke plumes and ground clutter. The “melting layer,” which is helpful in identifying snow levels in higher terrain is also expected to see improvement with Dual-Pol radar.
The NWS also expects to see the full benefits of Dual-Pol radar once NWS forecasters and research meteorologists develop real-time expertise.
CNHI/Southeast Iowa
Related Photos
-
Use of sirens like this one on the western edge of Oskaloosa during potentially dangerous weather is expected to be improved with the advent of Dual-Pol radar from the National Weather Service. Herald photo by Andy Goodell
Share your thoughts!
NWS radar upgrade to improve safety locally
- CNHI/Southeast Iowa
-
-
Barber shows no signs of cutting career short
OTTUMWA -- Darrell Smith's hands are steady and sure as he picks up his clippers and straight razor to begin his first haircut and shave of the day. Smith, 88, has cut hair for 62 years and has owned Smitty's Barber Shop on Albia Road for the past 58
-
Okla. front pages capture tornado aftermath
View how several Oklahoma newspapers covered Monday's massive tornado in Moore. Please note that officials revised the death toll downward early Tuesday morning after some papers were printed, but it is expected to climb again as recovery efforts continue.
-
Corn planting soars on break in the weather
The percentage of corn planted in Iowa grew by more than 50 percentage points last week with what experts called the first really good week of weather for farmers.
-
VIDEO: Pres. Obama's remarks on the Okla. tornado
President Obama speaks on Monday's deadly Okla. tornado.
-
LIVE BLOG: Massive tornado hits south of OKC
A massive tornado touched down Monday afternoon in Moore, Okla., just south of Oklahoma City. Follow live coverage of the aftermath of the storm.
-
VIDEO: Tumblr sold to Yahoo! for $1.1 billion
Yahoo! has purchased Tumblr for $1.1 billion, hoping to compete more effectively with sites like Google and Facebook.
-
What you need to know about preparing for tornadoes
Tornado survivors and seasoned observers suggest people do two simple things to prepare for tornadoes: Know where to take shelter, and move quickly when the time comes.
-
VIDEO: How technology helps predict tornadoes
At the National Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma, the team charged with predicting tornadoes relies on ever-changing technology to determine when and where storms may strike.
-
SLIDESHOW: Tornado passes through Oklahoma
A fast-moving storm brought rain, hail and tornadoes to Oklahoma late Sunday afternoon and evening.
-
Reviving downtown's upper stories
Building by building, the upper stories of downtown Ottumwa are coming back to life after some have sat empty for half a century.
-
Alleged counterfeiter arrested
The Knoxville Police Department reports having a suspect in custody who may be responsible for the counterfeit $100 circulating in town.
-
Officer treated and released after injuries from Oklahoma windstorm
Enid, Okla. police officer Lee Friesendahl was treated and released at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center Saturday night after his patrol car was struck by a strong windstorm triggered by a heat burst.
-
'Kindness begets kindness' at Oskaloosa Middle School
Focus on kindness is an attempt to improve school atmosphere and proactively address bullying.
-
Storms forecast to return later Monday
OTTUMWA -- The first severe weather outbreak of the year didn't do as much damage to southeast Iowa as in other areas, but it's likely on to round two today.
-
Kia Optima is a hit with the buying public
When it comes to midsized family sedans, the Kia Optima ranks high on my list for its good looks, economy and value.
- More CNHI/Southeast Iowa Headlines
-
