A Review of NEXRAD Level II: Data, Distribution, and Applications

For the first time, the full national feed of Weather Surveillance Radar’s (WSR-88D) highest resolution Level II data is available in real-time from the National Weather Service via a collaborative distribution partnership with universities. This data provides observations of precipitation and wind fields with extraordinarily fine temporal and spatial resolution, which are critical for understanding, monitoring, and predicting severe weather and flooding events. The Level II radar data stream also presents an exciting opportunity for universities and the broader community—including commercial enterprises—for use in severe storm research and prediction, hydrological cycles research, precipitation estimation and measurement, transportation logistics, combination and co-location with complementary in situ and remote sensing networks, 3-D visualization, model-data assimilation, emergency response, homeland security assessments, and education enterprises at all levels. By enabling free, unrestricted, and real-time access to Level II data, the stage is set for a major evolution in our ability to probe and understand atmospheric and hydrologic processes and phenomena.

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