Rapid-scan, polarimetric observations of central Oklahoma severe storms on 31 May 2013 Weather and Forecasting

On 31 May 2013, a polarimetric WSR-88D located in Norman, Oklahoma (KOUN), was used to collect sectorized volumetric observations in a tornadic supercell. Because only a fraction of the full azimuthal volume was observed, rapid volume update times of ~1–2 min were achieved. In addition, the number of pulses used in each radial was larger than is conventional, increasing the statistical robustness of the calculated polarimetric variables. These rapid observations serve as a proxy for those of a future dual-polarized phased-array radar. Through comparison with contemporaneous observations from two nearby dual-polarized WSR-88Ds [Twin Lakes, Oklahoma (KTLX), and near University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport in Norman (KCRI)], a number of instances in which the rapidly scanned KOUN radar detected or better resolved (in a temporal sense) features of severe convective storms are highlighted. In particular, the polarimetric signatures of merging updrafts, a rapidly descending giant hail core, an anticyclonic tornado, and a dissipating storm cell are examined. These observations provided insights into the rapid evolution of severe convective storms that could not be made (or would have been made with much lower confidence) with current, operational WSR-88D scanning strategies. Possible implications of these rapid updates for the warning decision process are discussed. Grant no. NA11OAR4320072