Site log - Melbourne (September 1998)

Flags:

1-Satellite coincidence data
2-Scan in TSDIS data
3-Scan not in TSDIS data
A-Major problem (moderate to strong AP &/or widespread coverage)
B-Minor problem (weak AP &/or very litte coverage)

******************************************************************************************

01 Sep 98:    A couple of dissipating convective cells are present early on but they are
              gone by 02Z.  No more precipitation present until after 18Z when scattered
              convection begins developing over Florida.  Activity increases in strength
              and areal coverage until peaking around 2330Z, when decay then becomes
              evident.  Several interesting gust front interactions present near day's
              end.

              Data processed:  0003-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0733Z(63 km), 0910Z(628 km), 1224Z(296 km), 
                                      1400Z(662 km)

              QC notes:  0217-0227Z: weak AP splotch remaining SSE of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0352-1652Z: scattered to widespread weak/moderate/intense AP
                                     remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1702Z: weak AP splotch remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              1747Z: weak AP splotch remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         1802-1822Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining E to SE
                                     of radar
                             ----->  all vos's corrected, except one, which is detailed
                                     in the following flag:
    3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->          1822Z: intense AP patch remaining SE of
                                                    radar. could not remove AP without
                                                    removing precip as well.
                                             * AP RANGE: ~110 km from radar
                         1837-1902Z: weak/moderate AP splotch remaining N of radar
                                     (wildfire remnants?)
 2A-,3A-      !!FLAG!!       ----->  If in fact this false echo is from wildfires, it is
                                     very deep in the vertical which means it is next to 
                                     impossible to remove without removing precip as well.
                                     The spurious echo remains and is flagged accordingly.
                         * AP RANGE: ~60 km from radar
                         2037-2137Z: moderate AP remaining N of radar (wildfire remnants?)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2207-2222Z: moderate/intense AP remains embedded in light 
                                     precip just S of radar
    3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->  nothing can be done to remove embedded AP unless all
                                     precip is removed as well...the embedded AP remains
                                     and is flagged accordingly.
                         * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~35-50 km from radar

*******************************************************************************************

02 Sep 98:    At the start of the day, a compact but intense convective cluster is 
              present just east of the radar, exiting the Florida coast.  In addition,
              several areas of moderate showers are scattered about the scope.  The
              showers dissipates and the convective cluster also weakens as it moves out
              over the ocean, and is completely out of range and quite weak by 0430Z.
              Things quiet down for a while but new precipitation begins moving into
              range by 13Z.  By 1730Z, numerous convective cells enter the range of the 
              radar from the southwest while a large shield of moderate precipitation 
              tantalizes us along the northwest fringe.  Scattered convection and showers
              continue through the end of the day.  Some of the cells look intense.

              Data processed:  0000-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0621Z(509 km), 0757Z(391 km), 1111Z(565 km), 
                                      1248Z(195 km)

              QC notes:  0010-0100Z: moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining SW to S
                                     of radar
                             ----->  improved, but many Vos's still contain splotches of 
                                     intense AP, including some embedded AP.  Here is a 
                                     list of the flagged volume scans:
2A,3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->     0030-0100Z: intense AP and embedded AP remains
                                                    south of the radar.
                                             * AP RANGE: non-embedded AP - ~105-120 km
                                                         embedded AP - 110-150 km
                         0025-0339Z: significant CAE remaining NW to N of radar
                             ----->  improved but many  Vos's still contain weak splotches
                                     of CAE.  See the following flags for details:
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->     0050-0100Z; weak CAE patches remain N of radar.
                                             * AP RANGE: ~90-150 km from radar
2B,3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->     0105-0339Z: weak CAE echo remains
                                             * AP RANGE:  ~100-150 km from radar
                              0151Z: large sector east of radar void of data
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->  moved Vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                         0428-0433Z: weak splotches of AP remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0438-0443Z: moderate AP speck remaining near radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0458-0503Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              0528Z: weak AP splotch remaining NW of radar 
                             ----->  corrected
                         0553-1218Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining (no
                                     precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1036Z: dimming of reflectivities 
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         1238-1243Z: weak AP splotch remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1258Z: moderate AP splotches remaining NW of radar
  1A-         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved but could not completely remove the false
                                     echo patch due to it's relatively deep vertical
                                     extent.  Therefore, a portion of the moderate AP
                                     remains and is flagged accordingly.
                         * AP RANGE: ~80 km from radar
                              1303Z: weak AP splotches remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1401Z: weak AP splotches remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1551-1626Z: weak AP splotches remaining N of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2011-2130Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2216-2245Z: 10 km hole in precip surrounding radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2245-2315Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining SW of radar
                             ----->  much improved, but a couple of vos's still 
                                     contain splotches of moderate to intense AP...
                                     they are detailed with the following flags:
  3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->      2245-2250Z: moderate/intense AP splotch
                                                     remains.
                                              * AP RANGE: 110 km from radar

******************************************************************************************

03 Sep 98:    Early on, several convective cells exist scattered about the scope. An
              E-W oriented cluster develops after 0130Z and moves off the the NE.  Strong
              cluster is out of radar range by 04Z, but a few smaller convective cells
              exist in it's wake, which in turn organizes in a line of storms as it too
              moves off to the NE and eventually out of range.  More moderate precip and
              convection moves in from the west after 09Z.  By 13Z, a large precip mass
              is present W of the radar while another line of cells fires up E of the
              radar, off the Florida coast.  By 17Z, another line of cells forms over
              Florida and passes over KMLB.  As this convective line moves out of
              range, still more cells fire over Florida behind it. Scattered activity
              persists through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0645Z(56 km), 0822Z(679 km), 0959Z(729 km),
                                      1135Z(195 km)

              QC notes:  0001-0026Z: 10 km hole in precip over the radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0101-0126Z: moderate/horrifically intense AP remaining S to SW
                                     of radar (some AP is embedded in precip)
                             ----->  improved, but the very intense nature of this AP 
                                     made complete QC success a virtual impossibility.
                                     The Vos's were flagged in the following manner:
 2B,3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->     0101-0106Z: all intense AP was removed but in
                                                    the process, the fringe of some weak
                                                    showers were also shaved away a bit. 
                                                    The vos's are flagged for this 
                                                    reason but due to the intense AP
                                                    which existed originally, this is
                                                    deemed an acceptable trade-off.
  3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->     0111-0126Z: intense AP remains, which could not
                                                    be removed without removing
                                                    significant precip as well.
                                             * AP RANGE: ~55-150 km from radar
                         0131-0206Z: weak CAE remaining S of radar, in vicinity of
                                     precipitation.
                             ----->  corrected
                         0221-0838Z: remnants of chaff bands remaining, moving from
                                     SW to NE
                             ----->  much improved, with several vos's completely 
                                     corrected.  But there are still numerous vos's,
                                     particularly early on in this time period where
                                     the relatively deep vertical extent of the chaff
                                     prevents its removal.  See the following flags:
 2B+,3B+      !!FLAG!!       ----->     0221-0422Z: weak/moderate chaff of appreciable
                                                    coverage remaining.
                                             * AP RANGE: ~100-15 km from radar
 2B,3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->     0427-0532Z: weak chaff of smaller areal 
                                                    coverage remaining.
                                             * AP RANGE: ~75-100 km from radar
  1B          !!FLAG!!       ----->     0637-0702Z: weak chaff remaining
                                             * AP RANGE: ~110-140 km from radar 
                         1802-2141Z: chaff remnants remaining S of radar, moving off to E.
                             ----->  corrected
                         1817-2022Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2216-2246Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

*******************************************************************************************

04 Sep 98:    Scattered convective activity throughout the day, with more precipitation
              present at the start and finish of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0533Z(366 km), 0709Z(474 km), 1023Z(493 km)
                                      1159Z(329 km)

              QC notes:  0021-0502Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected
                              0241Z: weak AP remaining very close to radar
    3B+       !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove AP without removing light precip.
                                     AP remains and is flagged accordingly.
                                  *  AP RANGE:  0-20 km from radar
                         0512-0537Z: moderate/intense AP remaining NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1103Z: dimming of reflectivities
                             ----->  corrected by moving file to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         1454-1644Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

********************************************************************************************

05 Sep 98:    Scattered, nearly stationary, convection west of the radar early on.  
              This activity begins dissipating by 0350Z, but more scattered cells
              begin to develop over the Atlantic about the same time.  Scattered
              activity, both east and west of the radar, persists until about 14Z
              when the precipitation starts becoming more organized and widespread.
              At this time, a large area of convection and moderate stratiform rain
              moves in from the SE, towards the NW.  By 19Z, much of the radar field
              of view is filled with heavy rain.  Heavy rain event peaks near 23Z,
              when convection begins either weakening or moving out of range, leaving
              a shrinking stratiform rain region which lingers through the end of the 
              day.

              Data processed:  0001-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0557Z(166 km), 0733Z(719 km), 0910Z(691 km)
                                      1047Z(87 km)

              QC notes:  0040-0045Z: weak AP patches remaining NNW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0055-0640Z: scattered weak AP remaining over land
                             ----->  corrected
                              1121Z: bad volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving scan to bad_files_not_in_
                                     1C,hdf directory.
                         1125-1435Z: weak (with occassional intense) AP patches
                                     remaining scattered about W of radar
                             ----->  all weak AP was removed but it was diificult to
                                     remove the intense AP patches whiched popped up
                                     for a couple of vos's. See the following flag:
 3A,3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->     1210-1220Z: intense AP patch remaining
                                             * AP RANGE:  ~80 km from radar
                              1740Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected

********************************************************************************************

06 Sep 98:    Decaying regions of stratiform rain dominate the scope early on, although
              most precipitation is out of effective radar range.  All significant
              precip is out of range by 0330Z.  By 07Z, new convective cells begin to
              develop over the Atlantic and stream NW towards land.  After 10Z, 
              convection forms over Florida as well, NW of the radar.  Scattered
              convection with occasional strong cells and locally heavy rain persists
              through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0003-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0444Z(233 km), 0621Z(545 km), 0934Z(416 km), 
                                      1111Z(466 km) 

              QC notes:  0008-0123Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0048-0258Z: scattered weak AP/CAE remaining W of radar
                             ----->  improved and almost completely corrected except
                                     for the weak to moderate CAE which remains near
                                     the radar in some Vos's because it is embedded 
                                     in light precip present in the area during the 
                                     same time.  See the following flag:
 2B,3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->     0048-0118Z: weak/moderate CAE remains 
                                                    embedded in light precip near
                                                    radar.
                                             * AP RANGE: embedded AP located 0-30 km
                         0313-0343Z: scattered weak AP patches remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0603-0638Z: weak AP patch remaining just NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1125Z: bad radar volume scan where some of the lower
                                     elevation angles are missing
                             ----->  corrected by moving scan to bad_files_not_in_
                                     1C.hdf directory

********************************************************************************************
           
07 Sep 98:    Strong convection and large stratiform rain shield present W of the
              radar early on but the sotrms are quickly dissipating and and more or 
              less out of range by 04Z.  Small, scattered cells begin streaming in
              from the Atlantic after 04Z.  Relatively insignificant, scattered
              activity persists until ~16Z, when the cells begin to quickly 
              increase in coverage and strength. By 1830Z, several clusters of
              strong convection exist within range of the radar.  Widespread
              convection and locally heavy rain persists through 23Z, when the
              activity begins winding down.  During the height of activity, 
              several gust fronts and gust front interactions are evident.

              Data processed:  0005-1645Z
                               1814-2358Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0332Z(711 km), 0508Z(265 km), 0645Z(749 km),
                                      0822Z(645 km), 0958Z(25 km)

              QC notes:  0025-0100Z: weak AP splotches remaining near radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0509-0609Z: moderate/intense AP remaining S of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0719-0739Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining
                                     W to SW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0835-1044Z: intense AP splotches remaining W to SW of
                                     radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1108Z: dimming of reflectivities
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.HDF
                                     directory.
                         1214-1249Z: intense AP splotches remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1829-2119Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2158-2358Z: 10 km hole in precip over radar
                             ----->  corrected

******************************************************************************************

08 Sep 98:    At the start of the day, the only significant precipitation can be found
              out over the Atlantic where a dissipating convective cluster continues
              moving out to sea.  Rain associated with this dying feature is just about
              out of range by 03Z.  Widely scattered light rain is the only game in town
              until about 0730Z, when convection once begins to fire over the Atlantic.
              This convection increases in coverage but remains at a considerable 
              distance from shore.  By 17Z,  the convection over the ocean begins 
              creeping out of range, but new cells now begin firing over Florida, west
              of the radar. By 21Z, many areas over Florida, within range of the radar,
              are being hit by convection and locally heavy rain.  Strong cluster
              of storms moves towards the KMLB radar by day's end.

              Data processed:  0004-2358 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0356Z(108 km), 0532Z(607 km), 0846Z(329 km),
                                      1022Z(609 km)

              QC notes:  0004-0039Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  precip hole corrected but unfortunately, 
                                     filling in the hole revealed that some clutter
                                     is embedded in light precip in the region.
                                     See the following flag:
  2B,3B       !!FLAG!!       ----->     0004-0014Z: two moderate AP specks remain
                                                    embedded in light precip in 
                                                    immediate vicinity of radar.
                                                    Given minor flags because AP
                                                    looks to be within cone of
                                                    silence prevalent in higher
                                                    level products.
                                             * AP RANGE: <10 km from radar
                         0219-0616Z: scattered weak AP ramining over land
                             ----->  corrected
                              0501Z: intense AP patch remaining in addition to 
                                     scattered weak AP
                             ----->  corrected
                         0716-0741Z: weak AP patches remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0807-0902Z: weak AP remaining NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1050Z: bad radar volume scan where the base scan is an
                                     elevated tilt angle rather than 0.5 degrees
                             ----->  corrected by moving bad scan to the bad_files_
                                     not_in_1C.hdf directory
                         1131-1151Z: weak AP patch remaining SW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1221-1226Z: intense AP patch remaining WNW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2213-2358Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              2308Z: intense AP patch remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2318-2348Z: intense AP remaining W to NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected

******************************************************************************************

09 Sep 98:    Early on, a decaying region of stratiform precipitation from the
              previous day's convective activity continues to move off to the east
              and over the Atlantic.  All significant precip is out of range by 0330Z.
              No significant precip until after 16Z, when convection begins creeping
              into range from the west and southwest.  Scattered convection, mainly
              south of the radar, is the rule through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0004-2358 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0243Z(560 km), 0420Z(360 km), 0733Z(587 km),
                                      0910Z(150 km)

              QC notes:  0004-0029Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0044-1622Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP remaining
                             ----->  this time period turned out to be more tricky 
                                     than originally thought (and it wasn't easy to 
                                     begin with) because of the scattered and very
                                     weak showers which were residing beneath the 
                                     large shield of AP and CAE.  The good news is
                                     that the new reprocessing scenario did a great 
                                     job of removing scattered splotches of weak AP
                                     while leaving most of the light showers untouched.
                                     The bad news is that not all of the AP which 
                                     remained was weak and this more intense false
                                     echo was much more difficult to remove without
                                     removing the light showers....hence the following
                                     flags:
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->     0122-0142Z: intense AP splotch remaining just
                                                    N of radar
                                             * AP RANGE:  ~45 km from radar
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!       ----->     0217-0352Z: weak, but mostly intense AP
                                                    splotches remaining W of radar
                                             * AP RANGE: ~60-80 km from radar
  3A          !!FLAG!!       ----->     0617-0632Z: intense AP splotch remaining W
                                                    of radar.  Moved vos 0632Z to
                                                    bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory
                                             * AP RANGE: ~80 km from radar   
                              1119Z: bad radar volume scan where the base scan is an
                                     elevated tilt angle rather than 0.5 degrees
                             ----->  corrected by moving volume scan to bad_files_not_
                                     in_1C.hdf directory.
                              1229Z: bad radar volume scan where the base scan is an
                                     elevated tilt angle rather than 0.5 degrees
                             ----->  corrected by moving volume scan to bad_files_not_
                                     in_1C.hdf directory.
                         2005-2105Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

******************************************************************************************

10 Sep 98:    Rather quiet early on, with only a few scattered showers and convective 
              cells off the Florida coast.  A quasi-stationary line of convection
              (not too impressive) gets it's act together over the Atlantic after
              05Z.  This precipitation remains in more or less the same position
              through 10Z. Some stray cells from this cluster make it into the KMLB
              area.  After 10Z, the cluster begins weakening and moving out to sea.
              By 15Z, more convection begins to fire in the same relative area.
              This convection fills in south of the radar and intensifies through
              21Z, when stratiform rain becomes the dominant feature.  This rain
              region dissipates through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0003-2358 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0307Z(15 km), 0444Z(662 km), 0621Z(740 km),
                                      0758Z(231 km)

              QC notes:  0143-0208Z: weak AP splotches remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                         0223-0253Z: weak/moderate/intense AP splotches remaining W 
                                     of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0651-0841Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1113-1929Z: weak AP remaining near radar
 2B,3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->  slightly improved, but for the most part, the
                                     weak AP returns near the radar remain and could
                                     not be removed without removing light precip as 
                                     well...hence the minor flag.

******************************************************************************************

11 Sep 98:    Only precipitation on this day occurs early on in the form of a rapidly
              decaying stratiform rain region south of the radar.  All precip associated
              with this feature dissipates by 023Z, leaving no precipitation within
              range for the rest of the day.

              Data processed:  0004-2358 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0155Z(417 km), 0331Z(445 km), 0645Z(521 km),
                                      0822Z(280 km)

              QC notes:  1102-1259Z: scattered weak AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1408Z: weak radial spike remnants remaining SSW of radar
                                     (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected

******************************************************************************************

12 Sep 98:    Only precipitation on this day in the form of widely scattered weak 
              showers near the end of the day (nothing too significant).

              Data processed:  0004-2350 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0219Z(126 km), 0356Z(705 km), 0532Z(706 km)
                                      0934Z(128 km)

              QC notes:  0039-0312Z: chaff remnants + scattered weak AP remaining (no
                                     precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1104-1312Z: scattered weak AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2202-2350Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected

*******************************************************************************************

13 Sep 98:    Widely scattered showers (with some weak convective cells) off and on
              throughout the day...but nothing too significant.

              Data processed:  0000-2358 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0653Z(282 km), 0243Z(519 km), 0557Z(446 km),
                                      0733Z(415 km)

              QC notes:  0000-0553Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected.  Some very light AP also returns to 
                                     a few vos's but they are of no concern since they
                                     are beyond 150 km from the radar
                         1305-2053Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected.  One volume scan did contain some weak
                                     AP once the parameters were weakened to allow for
                                     the re-institution og light precip (see the 
                                     following flag):
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->          1305Z: weak AP remaining SW of radar which
                                                    could not be removed without removing
                                                    light precip as well.  Moved vos to
                                                    bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                                             * AP RANGE: ~110 km from radar

*******************************************************************************************

14 Sep 98:    Steady stream of scattered convective cells move onshore over the course 
              of the entire day.  Convective cells and coverage of cells much more
              significant than the last couple of days, but still not a widespread
              rainmaker (although several areas of locally heavy rain exist on this day).

              Data processed:  0004-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence: 0131Z(231 km), 0307Z(740 km), 0444Z(663 km), 
                                     0621Z(15 km)

              QC notes:  0238-0243Z: moderate/intense AP splotch remaining W of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0313-0753Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected
                         0923-0958Z: small hole in precip directly over radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1126Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving volume scan to the bad_files_
                                     not_in_1C.hdf directory
                         1233-1313Z: small hole in precip directly over radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1528Z: precip-eating mode?
                             ----->  corrected
                         1548-1619Z: small hole in precip directly over radar
                             ----->  corrected

********************************************************************************************

15 Sep 98:    Precipitation regime is very similar to previous day, except this day also
              contains a large, but quickly weakening stratiform region by it's close.
              Therefore, a little more significant precipitation on this day.

              Data processed:  0002-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0018Z(150 km), 0155Z(587 km), 0508Z(360 km),
                                      0645Z(560 km), 2306Z(612 km)

              QC notes:  0214-0234Z: small hole in precip directly over radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0259-1508Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected
                              0417Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected
                         0838-0913Z: small hole in precip directly over radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1120Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory

********************************************************************************************

16 Sep 98:    Scattered convection streaming onshore out of the southeast, early on.  
              Dissipating stratiform rain region also present south of the radar.  By
              02Z, the stratiform region is gone but the convection moving in from
              the Atlantic continues.  Larger complex begins to move into range from 
              the southeast by 06Z.  Two clusters of moderate precipitation and embedded
              convection present near the Florida coast by 0830Z, with another even
              larger complex moving in from the southeast.  By 12Z, heavy rain event in
              place as pseudo leading-line/trailing stratiform system moves northward
              along the Florida coast.  Coverage of heavy rain is significantly less 
              after midday data gap.  Scattered light showers along with widely
              scattered moderate precip persists through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0004-1236 Z
                               1954-2046 Z
                               2246-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0042Z(327 km), 0356Z(608 km), 0532Z(105 km)
                                      2330Z(29 km)

              QC notes:  0109-0139Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0524-0747Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0847-1236Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1056Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected
                              1103Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving volume scan to bad_files_not_
                                     in_1C.hdf directory
                         1954-2040Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              2046Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected

*********************************************************************************************

17 Sep 98:    Early on, KMLB scope contains significant mass of moderate precipitation
              and embedded convection moving northward over the Atlantic, along with 
              scattered light rain throughout the rest of the scope.  Convection east
              of radar intensifies and increases in coverage after 03Z, but remains
              offshore through 08Z.  After 08Z, line of convection begins nosing northward
              over Florida.  Convection weakens as it continues to move to the north,
              but rain is still moderate and of significant areal coverage.  After 14Z,
              precip east of the radar is joined by a convective complex moving into
              range from the west.  Strong convection and widespread stratiform rain
              fills in rapidly over Florida.  Strong convection moves over KMLB around
              20Z.  Heavy rain event continues through the close of the day.

              Data processed:  0002-1203 Z
                               1404-1751 Z
                               1937-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0106Z(643 km), 0243Z(750 km), 0420Z(268 km), 
                                      0556Z(706 km), 2353Z(413 km)

              QC notes:       1056Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory.
                         1459-1516Z: corrupt volume scans containing meaningless data
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos's to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                              1539Z: corrupt volume scan containing meaningless data
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                              1751Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected
                         2007-2356Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

*********************************************************************************************
              
18 Sep 98:    Early on, large, but slowly weakening, convective system with trailing
              stratiform region continues moving off to the east and out to sea.  
              Almost all significant rain associated with this complex is out of
              range by 0330Z.  As convection dances along the southern and eastern
              fringe of the radar scope, another system begins peeking in from the
              southwest around 0730Z.  Unfortunatley, it doesn't materialize at this
              time and only significant preci continues to be scattered convection
              off of Florida's east coast.  By 18Z, convection does begin to rapidly
              fire and mov into range out of the southwest.   By 20Z, east central
              Florida has another heavy rain event on it's hands as abundant, strong
              convection blankets the radar scope.  A broken-line of convection can
              be discerned along the Florida coast by 2130Z, as it moves off to
              the east, leaving stratiform rain in it's wake.  Convection continues
              to fire and move in from the west behind this first wave of convection 
              and the heavy rain continues through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0307Z(548 km), 0443Z(228 km), 2241Z(83 km) 

              QC notes:  0001-0155Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0115-0220Z: weak AP remaining W of radar
 2B,3B        !!FLAG!!       ----->  much improved, but some splotches of weak AP
                                     remain, particularly near the radar.
                         * AP RANGE: ~20 km from radar
                              0530Z: weak/moderate AP remaining radar     
                             ----->  corrected
                              1129Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         2012-2347Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

********************************************************************************************* 

19 Sep 98:    Convection which intiated the day before still a strong presence as this day
              begins.  One convective cluster continues to move out of range to the east
              while another cluster, with appreciable moderate stratiform region, moves 
              in from the east.  Light showers are also scattered about the scope.  By 05Z,
              convection has either dissipated or moved out of range, but stratiform rain
              still persists (although it's coverage is quickly shrinking).  Very little
              precip present within range by 08Z.  Other than some widely scattered 
              activity east of the radar, lull in activity persists until 15Z, when 
              another large convective complex begins to enter the radar scope from the 
              west and southwest.  Rapid development ensues as another pseudo "leading-
              line/trailing stratiform" system treks across the scope.  Numerous strong 
              convective cells, a moderate stratiform region, and widespread significant
              rainfall batter the region until roughly 22Z, when most of the intense 
              convection is a considerable distance from shore as is the associated
              stratiform precipitation.  Moderate stratiform rain out over the Atlantic
              along with new convection moving in from the west are still present as the
              day closes.

              Data processed:  0002-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0017Z(689 km), 0154Z(721 km), 0331Z(170 km),
                                      2128Z(333 km), 2305Z(492 km)

              QC notes:  0022-0232Z: scattered weak AP/CAE remaining 
                             ----->  corrected
                              0136Z: NE sector missing radar data
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         0332-0432Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         0457-0542Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high) 
                             ----->  corrected
                         0517-0532Z: weak/moderate AP splotches remaining SSW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1123Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf 
                                     directory
                         1546-2154Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
             
*******************************************************************************************

20 Sep 98:    Light to moderate showers present westo fo the radar early on.  By 09Z,
              the light showers are joined by a thin, quasi-stationary line od convection 
              which develops N-S over the Atlantic.  Line intensifies but moves further
              out of range, but shower activity west of the radar gains some strength
              by 1230Z.  By 15Z, convection is now also present west of the radar, as the
              whole precip complex moves to the east, towards the radar.  By 18Z, most
              of Florida within range is under either strong convection or moderate
              stratiform as another heavy rain event is upon the KMLB region. Heavy
              rain, mainly south of the radar, persists through the end of the available
              data on this day.

              Data processed:       0004 Z
                               0419-1929 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0219Z(475 km), 0355Z(362 km), 2152Z(192 km)
                                      2329Z(728 km)

              QC notes:  0419-0714Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              1052Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan 
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf 
                                     directory
                         1314-1534Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected
                         1524-1614Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1649-1734Z: small hole in precip over radar
                             ---->  corrected
                         1709-1849Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected
                              1929Z: massive precipitation removal 
                             ----->  corrected

*********************************************************************************************

21 Sep 98:    Rapidly decaying convection and stratiform rain present early on.  Almost all
              significant precipitation has dissipated by 05Z, leaving only widely
              scattered and very weak showers.  Lull in activity ends around 16Z, when
              new convection enters the scope from the west.  Strength and coverage
              of convective activity increases rapidly over Florida.  By 20Z, numerous
              strong convective cells and small clusters line up north to south along
              the coast, streaming stratiform rain out behind them.  A few clearly
              visible gust fronts present after 21Z as convection continues to move
              to the east. Widespread rain (many areas locally heavy) persists through
              the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0250-2351 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0106Z(680 km), 0243Z(59 km), 2040Z(200 km),
                                      2217Z(562 km)

              QC notes:  0250-0810Z: scattered weak CAE remaining (some embedded in
                                     light precipitation)
1B,2B,3B      !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved, but much of the CAE could not be removed
                                     since it is embedded in light precip (hence the
                                     'choppy' appearance of the echoes as AP is either 
                                     embedded or picked up along the fringe of light
                                     showers)
                         * AP RANGE: embedded AP remains 50-150 km from radar
                              1120Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                              1520Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                              2035Z: precip-eating mode
                             ----->  corrected
                         2041-2211Z: small hole in precip over radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         2336-2351Z: weak AP splotch remaining near radar
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove weak splotch due to deep vertical 
                                     extent of false AP...hence the minor flag
                         * AP RANGE: ~30 km from radar 

*********************************************************************************************

22 Sep 98:    Widepsread, but rapidly decaying, convection and stratiform present early
              on.  By 0130Z, all convection has dissipated and stratiform is losing it's 
              punch quickly as well.  By 04Z, all significant rain has disappeared, leaving
              only widely-scattered, very light showers.  Rapidly firing convection begins
              creeping into range from the west after 16Z.  An ill-defined squall line,
              containing scattered strong cells, is present within range after 1730Z, 
              heading southeast trailing a broken stratiform region in its wake.  Line
              breaks apart and weakens by 20Z, leaving scattered convection and showers
              behind which persist through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0000-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0130Z(394 km), 0307Z(502 km), 1928Z(671 km),
                                      2104Z(291 km)

              QC notes:  0000-0719Z: scattered to widespread weak/moderate AP/CAE
                                     remaining (often embedded in light precip) 
1A,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!       ----->  slightly improved but the combination of 
                                     widespread CAE and widespread light showers was
                                     too difficult for this algorithm.  Almost all
                                     standalone AP was removed by the new QC parameters.
                                     However, some intense splotches still exist which 
                                     could not be removed without removing precip as
                                     well.  The showers which exist during this time 
                                     period look very "ragged" due to the ability of
                                     CAE to hug the edge of these showers and be immune
                                     to the algorithm.  Furthermore, a lot of the
                                     CAE that still remains is embedded in light 
                                     showers.  If there is even the smallest hint of
                                     precip echo in the secon-tilt, the CAE in that
                                     same region will not be removed either.  The
                                     CAE is, for the most part, weak but the showers 
                                     are also weak which means the latter can not
                                     effectively mask the former.  In all, a very 
                                     frustrating time period from a QC standpoint.
                         * AP RANGE: scattered about and embedded from 40-150 km
                         1012-1207Z: weak/moderate/intense AP remaining SSW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1227-1232Z: weak AP splotches remaining WNW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         1954-2247Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2345-2355Z: weak AP /CAE splotches remaining
   3B         !!FLAG!!       ----->  improved but like first flag of this day, CAE is 
                                     being picked up along fringe of precip and is 
                                     unremovable, unless precip is removed as well.
                         * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~25-70 km from radar

********************************************************************************************* 

23 Sep 98:    Early on, decaying convection south of the radar continues its trend as
              it slips out of range by 0130Z.  Scattered convection begins to fire    
              again around 16Z, after a long lull in activity.  Numerous convective cells
              with locally heavy rain persist through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0000-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0018Z(631 km), 0154Z(57 km), 1952Z(74 km),
                                      2128Z(623 km)

              QC notes:  0005-0120Z: scattered weak/moderate/intense AP/CAE remaining
                                     (often embedded in precip)
1B,2A,3A      !!FLAG!!       ----->  slightly improved but most of the CAE that survived
                                     initial processing and the default parameters did
                                     so because it was embedded in light precip which
                                     contained a whisper of echo in the second tilt
                                     scan.  Little could be done to improve this
                                     problem without blowing way all precip as well.
                                     Therefore, weak, moderate, and at times, intense
                                     AP/CAE still exist in embedded AP....hence the 
                                     flags.
                         * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~30-120 km 
                         0142-1540Z: widespread weak/moderate to horrifically intense
                                     AP remaining (no precip present)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1136Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         1545-2130Z: widespread weak AP splotches remaining
                             ----->  much improved and almost completely corrected, except
                                     the time period detailed in the following flag:
1B,2B,3B      !!FLAG!!       ----->     1745-2000Z: weak AP splotches remaining SW of radar
                                                    which could not be removed without 
                                                    removing precip as well.
                                             * AP RANGE: ~130-150 km from radar
                         2210-2235Z: gust front remnants remaining W of radar
 2B-,3B-      !!FLAG!!       ----->  could not remove gust front remnants without removing
                                     light or even moderate precipitation as well.  This
                                     is considered a very minor flag since the gust front
                                     remnants are barely discernible, of little areal
                                     coverage, and are very short-lived.
                         2335-2355Z: weak/moderate CAE remaining (some embedded in precip)
  3B+         !!FLAG!!       ----->  only slightly improved since most of the CAE is embedded
                                     in light precip.  Some of the CAE is of moderate
                                     intensity....hence the flag of elevated severity

*********************************************************************************************

24 Sep 98:    Scattered convection continues to race off to the west early on.  By 0130Z,
              the now decaying storms near Orlando are joined by scattered convection over
              the Atlantic, which are also moving towards to the east.  By 04Z, the cells
              over the ocean have incxreased a bit in coverage while the storms west of the
              radar are now out of range.  Scattered convection with locally heavy rain 
              continue in this onshore flow regime through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0000-2355 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0042Z(303 km), 0218Z(651 km), 1839Z(521 km),
                                      2016Z(383 km), 2329Z(570 km)

              QC notes:  0000-0615Z: weak/moderate AP/CAE remaining (often embedded in
                                     light precip)
                             ----->  improved, but problems with CAE embedded in light 
                                     showers still an unresolved dilemma (nothing can be
                                     done to remove embedded AP without removing prcip as
                                     well).  See the following flags:
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->     0000-0010Z: weak/moderate AP remains embedded in 
                                                    light precip W of radar
                                             * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~40-80 km
   1A         !!FLAG!!       ----->     0015-0110Z: weak/moderate AP remains embedded in
                                                    light precip W of radar
                                             * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~40-125 km
1A-,2A,3A     !!FLAG!!       ----->     0115-0250Z: weak/moderate AP remains embedded in
                                                    light precip W of radar
                                             * AP RANGE: embedded AP located ~50-150 km
                              1123Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan 
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory

**********************************************************************************************

25 Sep 98:    Scattered convection continues to stream in from the Atlantic early on.  
              Stronger convection north of the radar is just about out of range by 01Z,
              but more activity is entering the southern edge of the scope around the
              same time.  By 03Z, a thin but unbroken line of convection enters the
              field of view from the SE, moving towards NW (a shift from the direct E-W
              onshore flow of the previous day). Line breaks down and weakens by 06Z,
              leaving only scattered cells for the time being.  A couple new convective
              clusters (not too intense) enter the scope from the SE near 08Z, following
              the same NW track.  Like previous convection though, these clusters weaken
              before KMLB is reached, but they are joined by more numerous, scattered cells
              off the coast by 09Z.  By 10Z, another convective cluster with locally heavy
              rain enters from the SE, heading off to the NW.  By 13Z, the cluster is
              joined by more widespread convection (along with some stratiform rain)
              south of the radar.  Convection increases in strength and coverage through 15Z
              and is joined by some weak "popcorn" cells NW of the radar, as the entire
              scope starts filling with sporadic rain (most of it south of the radar
              being heavy).  Around 1530Z, the convective cells just south of KMLB show
              a hint of lining up (although still widely spaced) and sure enough, by 18Z,
              a broken E-W line of convection is centered over KMLB, joined by many
              unorganized both N and S of the line.  By 20Z, two distinct convective
              systems dump copious amounts of rain over points E and S of the radar.
              The scope fills in with widespread stratiform rain and convection (although
              the stratiform is now the dominate feature) which continues through the 
              end of the day.

              Data processed:  0000-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0106Z(184 km), 1903Z(44 km), 2040Z(674 km),
                                      2217Z(732 km), 2353Z(206 km)

              QC notes:  0935-1005Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1222Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         1710-1842Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                              1748Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         2007-2052Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected
                         2122-2332Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

*********************************************************************************************
             
26 Sep 98:    Numerous bands of strong convection throughout the day which move from SE 
              to NW across the scope as they rotate around Hurricane Georges located in
              the Gulf of Mexico.  Coverage of convection is more widespread before 02Z
              and after 18Z.

              Data processed:  0002-2358 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1751Z(383 km), 1927Z(464 km), 2241Z(503 km)

              QC notes:       1121Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory
                         1314-1402Z: small hole in precip over radar (Z2 too high)
                             ----->  corrected

*********************************************************************************************

27 Sep 98:    Convective cluster moving off to the NW early on.  After 02Z, widely 
              scattered showers the only form of rain through the end of the day
              (nothing too significant).

              Data processed:  0003-2356 Z

              Satellite Coinicidence:  0017Z(312 km), 1815Z(154 km), 1951Z(715 km),
                                       2128Z(696 km)

              QC notes:  1158-1213Z: moderate AP splotch remaining NW of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              2356Z: weak AP splotches remaining S of radar
                             ----->  corrected

********************************************************************************************** 

28 Sep 98:    Scattered showers off and on throughout the day (nothing too signifcant).

              Data processed:  0001-2357 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  0253Z(246 km), 1839Z(538 km), 2153Z(424 km),
                                      2329Z(452 km)

              QC notes:       0001Z: weak AP splotches remaining S of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                              0111Z: weak AP splotches remaining S of radar
                             ----->  corrected
                         0254-0324Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining (no precip
                                     present within range)
                             ----->  corrected
                         1828-2357Z: scattered weak Ap splotches
                             ----->  corrected

**********************************************************************************************

29 Sep 98:    Scattered showers and convection on and off throughout the day (a little
              more coverage than previous days but still nothing too significant).

              Data processed:  0002-2356 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1550Z(724 km), 1726Z(256 km), 1903Z(747 km),
                                      2040Z(650 km), 2217Z(15 km)

              QC notes:  0002-0556Z: scattered weak AP splotches remaining 
                             ----->  corrected
                         1130-1823Z: removal of light precipitation
                             ----->  corrected
                         2300-2356Z: horrifically intense AP remaining SSE of radar
                             ----->  much improved, but a few volume scans still 
                                     contain intense AP which could not be removed
                                     without removing significant precipitation as
                                     well.  See the following flags:
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->          2311Z: intense AP splotches remaining 
                                             * AP RANGE: ~130-150 km from radar
   3A         !!FLAG!!       ----->          2321Z: intense AP splotches remaining
                                             * AP RANGE: ~140 km from radar
 2A,3A        !!FLAG!!       ----->     2331-2341Z: intense AP splotches remaining
                                             * AP RANGE: +130-150 km from radar

***********************************************************************************************  
  
30 Sep 98:    Scattered and quickly dissipating convective cells present early on
              are completely gone by 02Z.  No precipitation present until after 10Z
              when some scattered cells develop over the Atlantic and the hint of
              something more dramatic moves in from the west.  Small cells over the 
              ocean align themsleves into a thin line of convection by 15Z, as
              they continue to stream off to the north.  Convection finally enters
              KMLB range from the west by 18Z.  Convection is soon outnumbered
              by moderate stratiform precipitation but unfortunately, most of the 
              activity is present north of the radar range.  Scattered convection
              and stratiform rain persists through the end of the day.

              Data processed:  0001-2359 Z

              Satellite Coincidence:  1614Z(120 km), 1750Z(601 km), 2104Z(339 km),
                                      2240Z(594 km)

              QC notes:       0001Z: horrifically intense AP remaining S of radar
  3A                         ----->  improved but two intense AP splotches still 
                                     remain within range of the radar.  Moved vos
                                     to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf directory.
                         * AP RANGE: located ~140 km from radar
                         0006-0406Z: scattered weak/moderate AP splotches remaining
                             ----->  corrected
                              1106Z: bad (incomplete) volume scan
                             ----->  corrected by moving vos to bad_files_not_in_1C.hdf
                                     directory.

***********************************************************************************************