Observations of the 10 May 2010 Tornado Outbreak Using OU-PRIME: Potential for New Science with High-Resolution Polarimetric Radar

• DOI: 10.1175/2011bams3125.1
• Publication Date: 2011-04-06T16:00:55Z
• Authors: Robert D. Palmer; David Bodine; Matthew Kumjian; Boonleng Cheong; Guifu Zhang; Qing Cao; Howard B. Bluestein; Alexander Ryzhkov; Tian-You Yu; Yadong Wang
• Keywords: Supercell; Fujita scale; Weather radar

A tornado outbreak occurred in central Oklahoma on 10 May 2010, including two tornadoes with enhanced Fujita scale ratings of 4 (EF-4). Tragically, three deaths were reported along significant property damage. Several strong and violent near Norman, Oklahoma, which is a major hub for severe storms research arguably one the best observed regions country multiple Doppler radars operated by both federal government University (OU). One most recent additions to Norman high-resolution OU Polarimetric Radar Innovations Meteorology Engineering (OU-PRIME). As name implies, radar used as platform education science engineering studies using polarimetric radar. To facilitate usage system students faculty, OU-PRIME was constructed adjacent National Weather Center building campus. On several formed campus while researchers operating sector scanning mode, providing data unprecedented resolution quality. In this article, environmental conditions leading 2010 will be described, an overview provided, examples possible applications summarized. These highlight supercell signatures during after tornadogenesis, they describe how are related observations reflectivity velocity.