Statewide Real-time Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Using Weather Radar And NWP Model Analysis: Algorithm Description And Product Evaluation

Abstract

This study describes an automated system that generates a statewide real-time quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) product for flood forecasting in Iowa. The QPE system comprises, real-time data acquisition, processing, and product visualization subsystems. Combined with information retrieved from numerical weather prediction, the system processes data from multiple radars using various algorithms accounting for precipitation microphysics and radar remote sensing uncertainties. The system generates a composite rainfall map covering the entire state of Iowa at a resolution of 0.5 km, updated every 5 min. With the help of the system's flexible modular configuration, we have recently added a new polarimetric algorithm based on specific attenuation. Independent evaluations based on comparisons with rain gauge data and hydrologic model prediction of streamflow demonstrate that the new implementation significantly improves the rainfall estimation accuracy. The new QPE product shows performance comparable to the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor product that contains a rain gauge correction.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Comments

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Grant NA17OAR4590131

Keywords and Phrases

Flood forecasting; QPE; Radar; Rainfall; Specific attenuation

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1364-8152

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2023 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Oct 2020

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