VIPER radar

[Richblue2]

I know this may stretch beyond "tropical" weather, but it seemed the most appropriate place to ask.

I've heard of weather stations getting VIPER radar. What is the difference between that and doppler (or is there one)?

Funny story:

I was at the NC coast around Memorial Day and the local weather station was touting their new VIPER radar forecast and how much it would improve local forecasts. Flashy graphics and everything. Then, for no apparent reason other than that he could (with his new VIPER radar), the weather guy zoomed in on Wisconsin and Minnesota and used the entire weather segment to show us (in eastern NC, mind you) all the pertinent aspects of a mild thunderstorm in the northern midwest. Back to you, Bob. :haha:

[jfranklin]

I've never heard of it. Sounds like a marketing gimmick.

James

[Richblue2]

Ok, I did some digging (now that it's after 5:00) and got description of VIPIR (had it misspelled earlier) from WCPO's website. Turns out, it's not a radar type, but software.

(I tried to track down the station in NC so they can get their props, since they were so proud of it, but couldn't find it)

*****
VIPIR (Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar) shows you storms three-dimensionally, giving you a detailed look at each layer of the storm.

To explain this further, let's think about the atmosphere. We know that our atmosphere is made up of many layers and that storms exist at multiple heights. With previous radar technologies, we could only view storms as a flat, two-dimensional image which meant we were not getting the full picture needed to evaluate the storms. Now, VIPIR is able to scan these towering storms and allows you to view the entire storm giving you a more relevant visual and clearer graphics.

Of course we realize that all of this visual ability means nothing if the system isn't accurate, and that leads us to another key feature of VIPIR. This system uses an advanced computer processor that integrates radar from WCPO's Live Doppler system with four regional National Weather Service radars to predict where dangerous wind shear and possible tornadoes are developing. The computer system identifies these areas and ranks their strength and the probability of severe weather. VIPIR will evaluate the winds within the thunderstorm and detect any type of dangerous twisting or rotation. If so, it will mark that area as having the potential for or having an actual tornado. Which means, VIPIR is faster at detection than standard doppler radar. In fact, it can be up to 5-10 minutes faster, and in the case of severe weather, that amount of time can make all the difference in your safety.

Additionally, VIPIR couples data from the National Weather Service with other parameters to provide better hail information including earlier detection, location, severity and size throughout our specific viewing area. This feature also combines the wind shear, hail data and precipitation totals to create a single display showing the areas of greatest threat. You can see the highest winds, largest hail and heaviest rains within one display.