This month, the weather service completed installation of 164 Doppler weather radars around the nation as part of its modernization. The radars allow forecasters to observe and calculate the speed and direction of severe weather elements such as tornados and violent thunderstorms associated with hurricanes. Their high-resolution images and atmospheric soundings now give forecasters the continuous monitoring necessary for intensive analysis of the atmospheric triggers for severe weather conditions. N.J. Over the last two decades, computer modeling has helped forecasters improve 24-hour storm track prediction by about 20 percent. Preliminary studies show that data from the Gulfstream IV aircraft, coupled with soundings from GOES satellites, should further reduce forecast errors significantly.
Hurricanes represent a growing problem for our increasingly crowded coastlines.
More population and property at risk mean longer lead times are necessary to prepare a community. Without technological advances and ongoing research, longer lead times would not be possible. Studies by Drs. Christopher Landsea of NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research and Roger Pielke Jr. of the National Center for Atmospheric Research suggest that coastal populations and construction have grown from Texas to Maine.