Toga Radar Science Log CAMEX – Key West, Florida 17 –8 –01 14:05 UTC: Clear day this morning, a few spotty clouds over the ocean. Nothing significant. Just little scattered cells about 100km south, moving west in a straight line. 1 little cell about 20km north or the radar, also moving west in a straight line. NSD 15:46 UTC: A few light showers in the viewable area. Cloud- cover is about 30%. An east-west aligned group of showers, about 40dbz max, is about 100 to 150 km to the south. JRL 16:37 UTC: A large cell has developed right on top of the radar. The cell is rather large and moving to the Southwest. There are also scattered cells about 100 to 150km south of the radar that are moving in the same direction, with reflectivity values in the 18 to 50dBz range. NSD 19:16 UTC: The “Radiate On “ switch has gone out in the Transmitter. I don’t have a replacement for it right now, so I will have to go down to N-Pole to get another one. They have instructed me to shutdown operations for today, and fix the switch tomorrow morning. NSD 21-8-01 15:35 UTC: Finally got the radar working again after 2 days, Now we are up and running. Scattered cells to the northwest moving north at this time. Reflectivity is in the 18 to 60dBz range. At about 100 to 200km away from the radar. Right above us it is overcast, but nothing significant. There was a large cell moving north from the south, but it has dissipated at this time. NSD 16:36 UTC: Area of convection in the northwest quadrant becoming more organized. Two distinct bands are noticeable. The band farthest from the radar (200km) has higher reflectivity values (50 – 60 dBz). Second band (150 km from the radar) is much weaker (30 – 40 dBz). Some isolated cells also located northeast through south. Overcast skies still observed overhead with scattered CU in the low levels. ETA 17:31 UTC: Thunderstorm overhead with light to moderate rain and occasional lightning. Scheduled the KAMP_NEAR task. Areas of convection in the northwest still moving northwest. The entire lower Keys are covered with convection with reflectivity values in the 34 – 44 dBz range. Cells are moving northwest. ETA 18:30 UTC: Thunderstorms previously mentioned moved northwest. Another convective band is overhead moving northwest. Moderate to heavy rain with cloud to ground lightning has been observed. Reflectivity values 34 –44 dBz. Most of the convective region previously located 150 – 200 km from the radar has moved out of radar range or has significantly decreased in intensity. ETA 19:25 UTC: Thunderstorm ended. The convective cells organized into a rather large band extending from the southwest to northeast into extreme southern Florida. The convective band is approximately 300 km in length and 75 km wide. At this time, most reflectivity values fall in the 40 – 50 dBz range. One cell along the 300-310 radial has higher reflectivity values (greater than 60 dBz). This cell was the one from the first wave that moved over the area at 17:31. It increased in intensity as the storms from the second wave (18:30 intersected) intersected with it. ETA 21:15 UTC: The convective band continues to move to the northwest. Another band appears to be trying to organize to the east and southeast. Another region of convection is located in Cuba and is slowly moving westward. Running the SURVEILLANCE and the NORTH_FAR tasks. ETA 22:30 UTC: NO significant changes. ETA 22-8-01 00:45 UTC: There is a band to the east spanning from 75 to 150 degrees breaking up as it moves westward. Land breeze looking cell persistent along the north Cuban coast. Persistent small cell at about 100 km to the northwest traveling south/southeast. Still lots of rain over Florida mainland. CDR + KLM 01:45 UTC: Widespread showers along North Cuban coast. There are small clusters of cells at 125 degrees. Weak cells at 45 degrees. Showers continuing over mainland of Florida. A cell with reflectivity values of 58 dBz popped out of the small previous cell at 325 degrees and 125 km. CDR + KLM 03:33 UTC: Showers along N. Cuba are diminishing. The cell at 325 degrees is now at 150 km, but has broken up into 2 to 3 cells, each with reflectivity values at about 55 dBz. Showers to the east and over the mainland of Florida are also dissipating. CDR 05:00 UTC: Showers along N. Cuba are away from mainland and mainly to the northeast. There is a small cell moving toward us but still 50 km away. The cells at 325 degrees have dissipated and are now 150 to 300 km away. Rain over Florida is insignificant. The evening is fairly calm, but still overcast. CDR 06:00 UTC: Showers over NNE Cuba continue to slowly dissipate, while a few small convective cells have popped up to our east ranging from 075 degrees (200 km) to 100 degrees (100 km). Little cluster of cells keeps creeping up from the SSE, currently about 20km away, no lightning seen yet. S FL is now mostly dry and there appears to be a few convective cells riding some linear body from 100 – 250 km rotating from 315 to 308. Have performed a handful of RHI scans over the last two hours. KLM 07:00 UTC: Light showers that began around 06:40 UTC ended about 5 minutes ago. Showers hanging to the immediate (15 – 75 km) S and SE appear to be mostly stratiform now. No lightning ever observed. Convective cluster at 085 (~180 km) more consolidated. Showers N and NE of Cuba almost gone. A couple of cells continue to pop up along CCW rotating linear body now at 295. Pretty quiet. KLM 08:15 UTC: Little going on now. Showers to our immediate S and SE have dissipated and the only significant returns are progressing our way along a 90 radial, currently about 150km away. KLM 09:10 UTC: Almost all radar returns are between 75 and 140. Previous convective area to the E now producing relatively weak returns beyond 200 km. A couple cells at about 105 showing greater than 34 dBZ, otherwise little to report. KLM 10:20 UTC: A few convective cells still hanging on as we see a little brightening of the sky. To either side of the 130 azimuth, up to five small 30-40 dBz cells remain. Further to their N (at 090) a couple of lingering stratiform showers continue to decay. KLM 11:43 UTC: A small area of relatively weak echoes (34 – 37 dBz) to the east and southeast. Other than that, there is nothing significant to report. TOGA is OPR; currently running the KAMP_FAR and the SURVEILLANCE tasks. ETA 12:57 UTC: No significant changes since the last entry. Set the workstation clock up 10 sec. To agree with the Satellite time, so that we can have accurate comparisons. NSD 14:02 UTC: A few isolated cells are within 50 km of radar site. Cells to the north are moving southwest while those to the south are moving west. Beyond 100 km there are two regions of convection, one to the northwest moving southwest. The other region is in the southeast quadrant. The reflectivity values associated with this region (23 – 37 dBz) are much smaller than those associated with the storms in the northwest (50 – 60 dBz). Still running the SURVEILLANCE and the KAMP_FAR tasks. ETA 15:32 UTC: Scattered cells have appeared in the Northwest over an area of about 50 to 250km away from the radar. There is also a larger cell forming near Miami, about 200 to 300km Northeast of the radar. Reflectivity is in the 18 to 50dBz range. There is also a large cell forming directly South of the radar at about 25 to 50km. The reflectivity in this cell is only in the 12 to 21dBz range at this time, but, I expect it to grow as the day goes by. NSD 16:46 UTC: The cells that were to the south have dissipated. More convection has developed in the Miami area with highest reflectivity values in the 37 – 50 dBz range. The cluster of convection to the northwest still persists although there has been a decrease in coverage. The higher reflectivity values are in the 50 – 55 dBz range. ETA 18:30 UTC: No significant changes since last entry, although there are two little cells forming over Cuba. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 40 dBz range. NSD 19:20 UTC: There was one isolated rain shower overhead that you can not see on the radar unless you zoom to the 75km view. The shower only lasted for approximately 20 minutes. Most of the convection over the water has dissipated. Southern Florida has a cluster of cells with reflectivity values in the upper 50dBz range. Still running the SURVEILLANCE and the KAMP_FAR tasks. ETA 20:50 UTC: Nothing significant to report. ETA 22:23 UTC: A few cells developed along an old outflow boundary from the storms that were in extreme southern Florida earlier in the day. These new cells are within 30 km of the radar and extend from the east to southwest. Currently running the SURVEILLANCE and the KAMP_FAR tasks. ETA 23:54 UTC: A strong cell is forming over Cuba now, and there are two cells forming to the Southeast, moving Southwest. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. NSD 23-08-2001 01:01 UTC: Neil changed out data tapes at 00:00z, back in service and scanning (& recording) by 00:20z. As for any wx, the arial coverage of the convection over C and SC Cuba is rapidly diminishing though a small area of ~45dBZ still exists. Elsewhere, several small, unorganized cells exist between 090 and 145 ranging from 35 km to 200 km. A small cell shows up at about 045 (180 km) and a couple more over SW FL mainland at 340 and 250 km. All of these cells have a max reflectivity around 36-42 dBz. KLM + CDR 02:34 UTC: a couple of cells popped up to the E and SE, including on within about 5-10 km. Upper 40dBZ echo at 090 and 105 km, another 40dBZ cell at 125 and a third small cluster at about 145. Note: While attempting RHI of nearby cell, first RHI at 096.3 rose to an elevation of 92.1 and after sweeping to 140.1 for second RHI scan, remained stuck at 92.1 elev. Mike attempted to bring down antenna manually to see if we could proceed: unsuccessful. Then called Neil. We shut down Surveillance and KAMP_FAR in IRIS software and Mike climbed up into the dome to manually push the antenna down. Came back and first attempt to restart scanning failed due to EL ERROR indicator still on the RCP02 (box on top of rack #9). Once this was reset, scanning resumed as normal. Performed surveillance scan at 03:03 UTC and next full volume scan began at 03:12 UTC. Problem: Antenna stuck at 92.1 elevation Began: 02:28 UTC Resolved: Yes Back in Service: 03:10 UTC Down Time BTW Volume Scans: 02:22 UTC (beg) – 03:12 UTC (beg) / elapsed: 50 minutes KLM 03:18 UTC: ~53dBZ cell just off the SW FL (mainland) coast, 340/200 km. Upper 30/lower 40dBZ cell at 250/150 km. Other widely scattered cells showing up on S half of radar domain, all within 200 km. KLM 04:17 UTC: Only significant wx right now is a few 44dBZ cells between 300 and 340 and between 50 and 125 km. KLM + CDR 07:03 UTC: A few light showers out 150 km at 325 degrees. Nothing big to report. Biggerstaff and Guynes stopped over to say hi. Biggerstaff changed the threshold a bit to try to get max data with min noise. CDR 08:01 UTC: Very little to report. One cell (low 40dBZ) around 325 / 75 km. A few others along the same AZ and ~230 km. KLM 09:11 UTC: The cell at 325 has moved to 100 km along the same azimuth – maintains about 43dBZ, Another cell at 110 (180 km) has ~40dBZ. Nothing major. KLM 10:11 UTC: Small line of convection about 50 km to our N. KLM 13:22 UTC: Nothing significant to report (NSR). ETA 14:23 UTC: Still the same no significant changes in the weather at this time. NSD 15:54 UTC: A small cell is forming Northwest of the radar with other little pocket cells about 25 to 150km away from the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. The whole mass is moving to the Northwest. There is also a small cell forming right on top of us directly North of the radar, about 10km from us. NSD 17:34 UTC: Now, a large group of cells is hovering directly above the lower Keys. There are also two small cells developing Southeast of the radar, about40 to 60km away. The group of cells directly over us is, in my opinion, a perfect candidate for dual Doppler comparisons. All the cells are tracking slowly Southwest. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. NSD 18:38 UTC: The cluster of cells over the lower Keys has dissipated. There are some isolated cells south through northwest. Currently running the SURVEILLANCE and the KAMP_FAR tasks. ETA 19:34 UTC: No significant changes. ETA 20:32 UTC: The only significant change so far is the formation of a cell over the Whitewater Bay area of the Florida peninsula. All in all, it has been a very slow day weather wise. Reflectivity values for the Whitewater cell are in the 18 to 50dBz range and the cell is tracking Southwest, towards the radar. NSD 21:34 UTC: The cell coming at us from the Whitewater area is gaining size and is about 30km away from the radar. The reflectivity values remain the same, as does the track. Everything else has dissipated. NSD 23:34 UTC: NOTE: Running KAMP_NEAR. Pretty heavy precip. over Sugarloaf Key (I believe), dBz values ranging from 12 to 50. Approx. 23:20z reached ~55 dBz on N Sugarloaf. Convection is oriented along the lower Keys with a N-S oriented outflow body extending off of N Boca Chica Key. Elsewhere, some light showers over C Cuba and a few conv. showers on the SC FL mainland. Looking for a rainbow… KLM 24-08-2001 00:48 UTC: Nice cluster of convection off SW FL mainland coast. (000 at 100 km) Local convection, off Key West (270 at ~50 km) intensifying again. Both areas have ~45dBZ returns, and are electrically active. Will remain in KAMP_NEAR mode for a little while longer (until local cell reached beyond 50km radius), then will switch back to KAMP_FAR. NOTE: Have to occasionally “force” SURVEILLANCE scan when scheduled with KAMP_NEAR. Also, there appears to be no “lag time” in which to run RHI when running this combination. KLM 01:42 UTC: A couple of small showers off the N and NE Cuban coast have popped up; they are in the ~35 – 38dBZ range. The “local cell” has continued to propagate W and is dying rapidly, max reflectivity is ~34dBZ. Cells to the N appear to be becoming more organized. The leading edge has formed into an E-W, slightly bowed, line segment. There is on cell directly behind the line and another off of the segment’s NE flank. Propagation is to the SE with upper 40dBZ returns. Current position is centered at 340 and 75 km. Switched back over to KAMP_FAR at 01:14z. KLM 02:56 UTC: Well, the “line segment” didn’t hold together for long, breaking into a cluster of cells ranging from 55 km (000) to 250 km (330) to 125 km (325). A few small cells, oriented E-W, continue to propagate from the S, currently about 110km away at the 180 azimuth. If Nrn cells continue within the 50km radius, we may switch back to the KAMP_NEAR scheme. KLM 03:51 UTC: Area of showers (which broke off of previous convection) with embedded 45dBZ echo remains to our N by about 50 km and is slowly working it’s way here. The rest of the convection is strung out along the 325 azimuth with some ~45dBZ returns. Only one small 33dBZ cell remains to our SE. KLM 05:07 UTC: ~ 50dBZ cell popped up to our NW about 25 km away. Will start KAMP_NEAR soon. Several cells along the same azimuth, extending to 250 km. Pretty quiet otherwise. KLM 06:15 UTC: Good sized area of precip still at 325 (160-180 km) majority of which is >38dBZ. Nearby showers dissipated as they reached about 20 km from radar, but outflow boundary (OFB) should reach Sugarloaf Key by 06:45 and here by 07:00 if it holds together. Small cluster of cells ranging from 270 to about 300 at 100-150 km. Clear elsewhere. KLM 07:14 UTC: Convective activity at 325 is pretty sparse. A few showers are between those remains and 305, out between 150 and 200 km. KLM 09:06 UTC: Two cells about 200 and 250 km to the NW. Blimps are up, therefore wx is clear. KLM 10:26 UTC: Nothing to report. KLM 11:44 UTC: NSR. ETA 12:44 UTC: All same since last entry. NSD 13:45 UTC: All same since last entry. NSD 14:50 UTC: Nothing new to report. NSD 15:45 UTC: Still no weather to speak of. NSD 16:43 UTC: Still clear skies. NSD 17:28 UTC: TOGA shutdown for maintenance. ETA 19:50 UTC: TOGA is still down for maintenance. A few rain showers to the west and towering CU to the northeast, movement unknown. Skies are scattered in the low levels and broken in the upper levels. ETA 20:44 UTC: Showers that were to the west of the radar moved southwest and dissipated. Towering CU still to the northeast. TOGA INOP. ETA 21:12 UTC: TOGA OPR. ETA 21:22 UTC: TOGA INOP. ETA 21:35 UTC: TOGA OPR. ETA 8/25/01 00:26 UTC: A couple of cells with ~ 42 dBZ sitting at 345 out between 175 and 225 km. Another couple of cells blowing up around 040 and 125 km. Switched tapes at the top of the hour. Blimps are already up, ergo, expecting a long quiet evening. KLM 01:29 UTC: While the cells mentioned in the previous report have not moved, the NErn cell has increased in reflectivity, now at about 48 dBZ. Interestingly, our “blimp forecast” didn’t pan out as a small cell has popped up about 10 – 15 km at about 315. We have switched from KAMP_FAR to KAMP_NEAR until it either dissipates or moves outside the 50km ring. KLM 02:32 UTC: Cells to the NNW and NNE still hanging on. 55 dBZ on the N end of the cell at 330 / 215 km. Cells at 020 drifting S a little, now at 65 km. Keeping an eye on it. KLM 03:44 UTC: Cell to our immediate NW (306 / 20 km) is rather persistent with a max reflectivity around 55 dBZ a few minutes ago. Storms keep hanging around 010 and continue to drift toward us; now at about 60 km. Still a few decent sized cells at about 315 at 190 km. Running KAMP_NEAR for the past half-hour. Stopped the scan to get a few RHI scans. Will continue ‘NEAR. KLM 05:54 UTC: Tonight is turning out to be the most active of the past 4. There are convective cells of some kind from 270 to 065 and all now within 100 km. The longest lasting and largest is now centered about 350 giving it a SSEward propagation. Have remained in KAMP_NEAR most of the evening with cells being so close by. Will try occasional RHI, but will need to interrupt ‘NEAR scans to do so. KLM 07:29 UTC: Not much change from last report. Nearby convection confined to the 270 - 000 quadrant. There are a few small cells popping up at about 200 and 150 km. Most of the significant convection is now outside the 50 km range therefore will switch back to KAMP_FAR. KLM 09:10 UTC: A 34dBZ cell sits about 25 km to our N. Several other cells are located to the NW. If nearby cell gets closer to the Keys (over land) then will switch to KAMP_NEAR, otherwise will remain at KAMP_FAR. KLM 11:45 UTC: There are a few isolated convective cells to the NW and SW. These cells are all beyond 100km range. There is another cell to the NE at 75km range. The disk usage was checked at 11:30, and iris was stopped to clean out the product and ingest directories. Disk usage should be checked again at 14:30. DRJ 13:00 UTC: Isolated convective cells continue to fill the radar screen to the NW and SW. Nearly all of the echoes are outside of 100km range. They are moving to the SSW. DRJ 14:30 UTC: The only echoes present are a few convective cells to the NW at 140km range. The cells at other locations have dissipated. The cells to the NW also appear to be weakening as they move to the SSW. The disk usage was checked and it has been holding steady at 87% over the last 60 minutes. DRJ 15:54 UTC: Isolated convective cells are still present to the W and NW. These cells are fairly small and appear to be short-lived as they move towards the SW. There also seems to be showers developing over Key West and the N-POL radar site. These showers have reflectivity values near 35 dBZ. DRJ 17:25 UTC: Isolated cells are still located to the NW and W. A cell developed just to the NE of TOGA and rain has been falling here for 20 minutes. DRJ 18:55 UTC: There are a few isolated showers towards the W beyond 200km range. The rain shower that passed over TOGA has moved to the southwest and is at a range of 20 km. Rain ended around 18:00. There are also a few isolated cells forming over the southern Florida peninsula. DRJ 20:50 UTC: For the most part, the area is rain free. There are a couple of small dissipating patches of rain moving away from Key West at 20 km range. The only other areas of rain on the radar screen are isolated cells over the southern Florida peninsula and over Cuba. The rain showers over Cuba are giving us second trip echo. DRJ 22:50 UTC: The radar screen shows a few convective cells along the northern Keys. Some isolated cells are also located to the SW beyond 100 km. DRJ 23:52 UTC: A few convective cells continue along the northern Keys and south FL near 80km range. 8/26/01 00:20 UTC: There is a good looking cell over the northern part of the keys…75km out at 40 degrees. There is another cell over the southern part of the Florida mainland with reflectivity values topping around 55 dBz. It is 75km out at about 20 degrees. We successfully initialized the tapes and cleaned the ingest all by ourselves! However the archives only appeared to record data until 16:32 Z. Slightly confused about that. CDR 01:37 UTC: Both cells mentioned above have not drastically changed. A third cell popped up directly in between the two cells. All three are located at about 75 km out, in the first quadrant. There is visible lightening in that direction. CDR 02:30 UTC: Three cells are present, all to the E and NE of TOGA. The most recently formed cell is near 30km range with maximum reflectivity near 45 dBZ. The two other cells are older and are near 50km range. 02:30 UTC: Neil stopped by and adjusted the ingest and archive partition sizes. Discussed with Nathan at NPOL why the KAMP_FAR volume scans have a maximum range of 300 km instead of 150 km. This is because TOGA uses RPHASE processing. This allows the maximum unambiguous range to be 150 km, but the maximum range for scanning to be 300 km. Discussed possible archive tape problem with Neil (see 00:20 UTC). Tape will be checked to see if all data from 010825 have been recorded. If data does stop at 16:32 UTC 010825 (per archive listing), the remaining data from 010825 have been lost. This may have happened if tapes were not properly unmounted before IRIS was stopped. 03:12 UTC: Two cells, which were to the E, have merged into a small cell with relatively high reflectivity (54.5 dBZ max), and range of 35 km. A weakening cell is located to the NE near 40km range. Lightning has stopped. 03:50 UTC: Cell to NE has dissipated. Cell to East near 35km range has weakened to a light shower (20 dBZ). No other significant echo with 150km range. It’s going to be a long night. 04:45 UTC: No significant echo within 300 km. 05:00 UTC: Small cell developed due North near 35 km range. Maximum reflectivity 38.5 dBZ. No movement detected. No other significant echo within 150 km. 05:40 UTC: Small cell to North near 33km range. Maximum reflectivity 48.5dBZ. No other significant echo within 150km. 06:20 UTC: Small cell to North near 33km range. Maximum reflectivity 43 dBZ. Cell slowly drifting to West. No other significant echo within 150 km. 07:10 UTC: Several small cells developing to NNW within 50 km. Maximum reflectivity 56 dBZ. Cells appear to be slowly drifting to the South. 07:23 UTC: Cells to N and NW maintaining strength and coverage. Several reflectivity cores. Elevated reflectivity maximum near 50 dBZ evident near 3.5 km height in cell closest to TOGA (15 km range). Impressive lightning in anvil revealing mature Cb structure. Thunder. 08:00 UTC: Scattered small cells to W and NW from 35 to 100 km range. 09:20 UTC: Scattered small cells mainly to West from 40 to 120 km range. Cells moving to SW. Maximum reflectivity approaches 50 dBZ in a few pixels. Lightning visible to West. 09:53 UTC: Cells are clustering into 2 groups to West. First cluster near 50 km range, and second near 120 km range. 10:23 UTC: Cell clusters are breaking up and individual cells are weakening. 13:38 UTC: Isolated cells are located to the E and W. These cells are short-lived as they move towards the SSE. 14:30 UTC: There are two convective cells located over the northern Keys. Also, a few small dissipating echoes are present to the W around 100km range. 17:00 UTC: The only echoes on the radar screen are isolated cells developing along the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. 19:40 UTC: Convective cells continue to develop and dissipate over the southern Florida peninsula. A cell has developed 20 km to the south and is moving towards the south. 20:40 UTC: The convective cell that developed to the south is beginning to dissipate as it moves to the SSW. There is an area of moderate reflectivity to the NE at 50km range associated with a cell that moved S off the peninsula. 22:00 UTC: The area of moderate reflectivity from the previous observation has dissipated. The only significant echoes are isolated convective cells on the southern tip of the peninsula. 23:04 UTC: The only weather to report are the showers located across the tip of the peninsula. They are located at 75 to 100 km out and moving south. Reflectivity values do not exceed 50 dBz. CDR 23:42 UTC: Several convective cells over the southern tip of FL peninsula and near Key Largo. The closest cell is near 50km range. 08/27/01 00:12 UTC: Cleared product and ingest directories. Tape change as scheduled. Lightning to NE from approaching cell (approx. 40km range). 00:23 UTC: Several strong convective cells and showers located to the NE. Maximum reflectivity values near 50 dBZ. Cells are lined up along the Keys from Marathon to Key Largo. Closest cell near 30km range with 45 dBZ extending to height of 4 km. Impressive in-cloud and cloud-to-cloud lightning. Cells appear to be dropping almost due South. 00:48 UTC: RHI scan at 72 along Keys reveals reflectivity cores of 45 dBZ extending to height near 6 km with detectable echo to height of 16 km. Cell scanned is from 50- 75 km range. Fantastic lightning show continues. Cells continue to drop almost due South. Closest cell (30 km to NE) now appears to be weakening, while cells stretching along Keys appear to be maintaining strength. 01:17 UTC: RHI scan at 90 shows elevated reflectivity core of 56 dBZ from 5 to 7 km heights. 30 dBZ extends to height near 12 km while echo is detected to 15km height. Cell to NE near 30km range has weakened to nothing more than a 20-30- dBZ shower. Cells due East have built back toward the West and are now near 30 km range, with maximum reflectivity near 45 dBZ. 02:17 UTC: Cells to the east are continuing to push southward, reflectivity values are not as strong. Three convective cells to the northeast have popped up with values up to 50 dBZ. They are less than 50 km away. There are similar showers directly north located at about 75 km out. There was excellent cloud-to-cloud lightning to the N and NE for awhile. That has seemingly stopped. CDR 02:40 UTC: Small cell developed directly over TOGA. Cells to East have diminished in intensity and all that remains is a small patch of light showers. Additional cells have developed in the NW quadrant from 30 to 80 km range. Cells were moving SSW. Maximum reflectivity approaches 50 dBZ. Scanning strategy switched from KAMP_FAR to KAMP_NEAR. 03:12 UTC: Cells dropping to South. The cell that appeared to form directly over TOGA has continued to develop. Two cells are now present to S and SW within 10km range. Maximum reflectivity values near 50 dBZ. Running KAMP_NEAR scans. 03:50 UTC: Small area of light rain with several embedded cores to S and SW of TOGA. Maximum reflectivity values near 45 dBZ. Echo heights near 12 km. Precip appears to be decreasing in coverage and intensity. Small cluster of cells to NW from 40-50 km range. Will probably discontinue KAMP_NEAR shortly. Light rain with an occasional lightning flash noted. 04:00 UTC: Discontinued KAMP_NEAR and started KAMP_FAR. Cells and light rain to South within 20 km is now diminishing. Small cluster of convection and showers to NW near 40 km is decreasing in coverage. Maximum reflectivity values near 45 dBZ. Small patch of light echo to East from 80-100 km range is all that remains of previous strong cells. 04:50 UTC: Two small cells to W and NW near 26 and 50 km range. Maximum reflectivity 45dBz. Small patches of light echo (< 20 dBZ) are present to NW and SE from 50 to 100 km ranges. 05:10 UTC: A few showers in all quadrants except NE from 40 to 100 km ranges. Nothing significant. 05:52 UTC: A few small showers and cells to S and SW from 40- 80 km range. 06:47 UTC: Very small cells in the first, second, and third quadrant. The closest to the SW at about 50km out; the furthest to the northeast at 175 km out. 07:32 UTC: A few small showers to the SW near 75km range. One lone cell at 75 azimuth and 135 km range with max reflectivity 45.5 dBZ. Another lone cell at 300 azimuth and 143 km range with max reflectivity 53.5 dBZ. 08:52 UTC: Lone cell at 75 azimuth and 150 km range. A few showers near 210 azimuth between 100 and 150 km range. 10:22 UTC: Single cell at 155 degrees, 80 km out. Very small scattered showers around 200 degrees 150+ km out. 11:48 UTC: A few isolated quasi-stationary cells south to southwest of TOGA. ETA 12:40 UTC: Isolated cells extend from the southeast to southwest. The cells in the southeast are about 50-60km from TOGA. The cells that are south-southwest are about 100- 200km from TOGA. Very little movement is seen with these cells. The cell in the southeast has the highest reflectivity (55 dBz). ETA 13:51 UTC: Isolated cells continue in the southeast to southwest. A few cells have developed about 15km north and northeast. RHI scans show 40-45 dBz cores extend up to about 8 – 10km. The cells to the south appear to have higher reflectivity values. The skies are mostly clear except for the CB’s and some cumulus at about 1000 feet. Currently running the SURVEILLANCE and the KAMP_FAR tasks. ETA 14:59 UTC: Most of the observed cells have dissipated. One remains to the immediate south, about 75km and another about 5km north. The low level cumulus field has increased in coverage with bases at about 1500 feet. ETA 15:40 UTC: Switched to KAMP_NEAR task. Rather large cluster overhead and extends from Sugarloaf Key to just pass Big Pine Key. Some isolated 55dBz cores. Thunder overhead with very light rain. ETA 16:54 UTC: The lower Keys are covered by thunderstorms and rain showers. TOGA is in the stratiform region of the dissipating cells. Light rain is falling at the site and thunder can be heard to the southwest and west. Storms appear to be moving slowly to the south. ETA 18:12 UTC: Switched to KAMP_FAR at 17:52 UTC; also still running the SURVEILLANCE task. A few isolated cells over the upper Keys and one just south of Key West. A nice outflow boundary can be seen about 40km north. Skies overhead are broken in the upper levels from the thunderstorm cirrus shield. ETA 19:30 UTC: The outflow boundary is still at the same position as it was earlier. All the other cells have scattered to the Southwest, and the Northeast, about 150 to 300km away from the radar. No other significant activity to report at this time, although the skies overhead are still hazy. NSD 20:30 UTC: No significant activity or changes to report at this time. NSD 21:50 UTC: Changed the system time on TOGA. No sig wx. ETA 22:30 UTC: No significant changes to report at this time. NSD 8/27/2001 00:52 UTC: A few cells on the S. tip of the peninsula; 30 degrees, 100 km out. Two small cells at 350 degrees, 75 km out. We initialized the tapes just fine. CDR 03:48 UTC: Two sfc boundaries in the N half of the domain. Otherwise, no weather to report. KLM 05:20 UTC: No current weather to report. CDR 07:30 UTC: A nice convective linear system came through at 220 degrees stretching from 100 km to 40 km out. Highest reflectivity was about 55 dBZ. We were excited for awhile as it lasted for 45 min but soon became more discrete and less intense. CDR 09:25 UTC: Not much change after that system moved through. A single cell 90km out at 185 degrees is the only weather on the screen. CDR 11:15 UTC: System being brought down for generator maintenance. There is no significant weather to speak of at this time. NSD 13:00 UTC: TOGA OPR. Resuming the SURVEILLANCE and KAMP_FAR tasks. Currently there are a few isolated cells to the northwest and north. Highest reflectivity values are about 55dBz. ETA 14:00 UTC: Still a few isolated cells in the northwest quadrant. An old outflow boundary is located about 30km to the north and appears to be moving southwest. A new cell is developing along this boundary. ETA 15:20 UTC: Intermittent radar scans until further notice. A DSP problem has been discovered while attempting to run the NORTH_FAR sector scan. Attempting to troubleshoot the problem. ETA 19:00 UTC: No change. ETA 23:00 UTC: No longer running tasks. TOGA is still experiencing DSP problems. ETA 08/28/01 16:10 UTC: Resuming TOGA operations. Currently SURVEILLANCE and KAMP_FAR tasks. There are isolated cells from the west through the northeast. Movement of these cells is to the northwest. There are no significant cells within 100km of TOGA. MAX reflectivity values are about 44 – 50 dBz. ETA 17:10 UTC: No change. ETA 18:15 UTC: A slight increase in the number of convective cells. Still generally confined from the west to the northeast though with the most intense cell (44 – 50 dBz) located in southwestern Florida near Fort Myers. Cell movement is to the west-northwest. Still running the SURVEILLANCE and the KAMP_FAR tasks. ETA 01:06 UTC: Biggerstaff, Jerry and Neil set up several scanning techniques for future use. Right now we are running KAMP_FAR and SURV_FAR and I will be “tweaking” the SQI to try and get rid of some clutter. Weather wise, we have some persistent and rather strong cells (45-50 dBZ) off the SW coast of FL mainland (330 at 200 km) moving to the NW. Other convective showers in C Cuba and a few small cells due E at about 200 km. KLM 02:12 UTC: Not much change from last time. NW cells appear to be back building somewhat to the S. KLM 02:53 UTC: Storms to the NW still strong and continue to slowly build this way. Am switching from KAMP_FAR to NORTH_FAR sector scan. Nothing terribly interesting in Cuba any more. KLM. 03:08 UTC: Well, it appears that the NORTH_FAR sector scan only reaches the 150km radius. Since the bulk of the storm lies just beyond 150 km, have switched back to KAMP_FAR. If the storm makes its way closer (within 150 km), will ten try NORTH_FAR sector scan. Also may call Biggerstaff to see if they want to try coordinated scans. KLM 05:17 UTC: Well, things have died off considerably. After reaching nearly 60 dBZ in the storms to the NW, they have decreased in reflectivity to their current value of about 35 dBZ. A small cluster of storms remains between 090 and 130. Remaining in SURV_FAR & KAMP_FAR. KLM 06:37 UTC: Nice little cell popping up to our 085 about 5 km away. Switching to KAMP_NEAR but need to tweak SQI for Z and V when scan is done. Scattered convection all quads with most significant cells to the SE at about 120km – max dBZ is about 38. KLM 08:00 UTC: There are a few lingering showers in the E half of the domain max reflectivity is about 34 dBZ. Interestingly, the W half has become quite active as of late. Generally around 285 and beyond 100 km, there are many cells showing low 40 dBZ. Will remain in KAMP_FAR. KLM 10:00 UTC: No significant changes…same as above report. KLM 11:00 UTC: Nothing significant to report at this time. NSD 13:00 UTC: Situation still the same, nothing new to report. 15:14 UTC: Small cells are now starting to develop to the Northwest and the Southeast, about 150 to 300km away from the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. Everything is tracking Northwest. NSD 16:12 UTC: Most of the small cells to the Northwest have dissipated, and there are more small cells forming in the Southwest Reflectivity values remain the same as does the track. Everything is moving Southwest to Northwest. NSD 17:14 UTC: Very isolated small cells in all quadrants. Movement is to the west-northwest. Skies are scattered to broken with CU at about 1500 feet with some CS above. Most of the CU has very little vertical extent while some have moderate vertical extent. ETA 18:52 UTC: Nothing new to report. Just more scattered cells in all quadrants, forming and dissipating, all moving West – Northwest. NSD 19:52 UTC: All conditions remain the same. NSD 20:50 UTC: No organized convection. Most of the isolated cells are over the Florida peninsula and Cuba. ETA 21:48 UTC: No significant changes at this time. NSD 22:51 UTC: No organized convection within 200km of TOGA. There is a cluster of cells 200 – 250km to the north on the west coast of Florida and another 250km to the northeast. Both of these areas show data dropouts in while running the KAMP_FAR task. May need to do some tweaking on the task. ETA 00:22 UTC: Convection to the NE appears to be sputtering out as are most other areas of significant conv. Remaining in KAMP_FAR mode, but experiencing dropped bins (refl. dropouts). Have tried playing with SQI and LOG thresholds with no success in regaining data. Called Nathan and suggested putting default thresholding schemes back in. (currently Z and V are each using “LOG & SQI”). KLM 02:38 UTC: Much quieter night than anticipated. Convection to the NE has died off almost entirely. Cuba seems to be enjoying a rare rain free evening. Everglades, however, remains active with a few cells in the 38 dBZ range. These are all beyond 200 km. As for the “dropout” problem: after talking with Biggerstaff I have brought the SQI down to 0.15 and worked up to its current value of about 0.36. This still produces some 2nd trip echoes but anything higher results in data loss on the RTD. KLM 04:44 UTC: Not much change. A few cells have popped up in the NW sector, a couple with ~55 dBZ. KLM 06:18 UTC: No significant changes. KLM 07:27 UTC: Not much change from above report except a cell has developed at about 215/145 km. 08:24 UTC: Biggerstaff just called asking about conditions for today’s aircraft participation. There may be a little “back building” occurring from the NW cells toward the radar. Shortly after I got off the phone with Biggerstaff, noticed a possible sfc body extending from the Keys to the NW toward the storms. Not entirely confidant that this sfc feature is real as I am still having trouble with filtering the data. Have had to keep SQI filter low to retain the data at the expense of a good amount of 2nd trip noise. KLM 09:48 UTC: Little has changed regarding the weather. A larger cluster of cells has developed to the W with a couple of large cells remaining to the NW. As for the filters, after talking with Biggerstaff, have opted for lower threshold and will edit out noise in post processing. KLM 10:44 UTC: Increased number of convective cells to the SE moving toward the radar, otherwise no significant changes. KLM 11:00 UTC: Fixed filter problem, by installing same settings as the KAMP_NEAR scan. NSD 12:17 UTC: The convective cells have dissipated at this time. There also was a large cell off of the Florida Peninsula, around the St. Petersburg area. That too has dissipated. Everything has moved off to the Northwest. NSD 13:17 UTC: No significant changes to report at this time. NSD 14:37 UTC: Isolated convective cells are developing to the S and SE. These cells are within 150 km of the radar and are moving towards the NW. The convective showers S of Tampa/St. Petersburg are at 200km range and are moving to the NW. DRJ 16:00 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report. NSD 18:20 UTC: Conditions remain the same. There are some convective cells to the SE that may pass over the radar if they do not dissipate. DRJ 18:58 UTC: Convective cells are located to the S at 10 km and 30 km. Other cells are located to the SE at 40km moving towards the radar. DRJ 20:10 UTC: The convective cells near the radar have dissipated. Elsewhere, isolated cells are present over most of the area. These cells are moving towards the WNW. DRJ 21:15 UTC: Conditions remain the same. The only changes are increased convective activity over Cuba and the SW Florida peninsula. DRJ 21:24 UTC: Changed repeat times for the SURV_FAR and KAMP_FAR. Conflicting schedules were kicking off the transmitter and giving us a Device Timeout error message. Set them both on a 12min schedule so these errors wouldn’t happen again. NSD 23:00 UTC: No significant changes to report at this time. NSD 09-01-01 00:35 UTC: Few isolated cells 150 to 200 km west of area. Movement is to the west. Some isolated cells are beginning to fire just south of the Keys. Movement of these cells is to the west-northwest. KLM 02:30 UTC: Few isolated cells southeast moving westward. Otherwise, very quiet weather. KLM 04:30 UTC: No significant changes in the last two hours! KLM 06:30 UTC: No significant changes in the last two hours! KLM 08:30 UTC: Scattered cells northwest and southeast of the Keys. Movement is to the west-northwest. Lightning visible to the southeast in the past few hours. KLM 10:30 UTC: Scattered showers continue to cover most of the radar screen with movement still to the west-northwest. KLM 12:15 UTC: Conditions remain the same. No significant changes to report. DRJ 14:07 UTC: Convective cells to the southeast are beginning to form a line oriented NW-SE. Other isolated cells are located to the east moving towards the WNW. DRJ 15:02 UTC: The line has split into two main segments. The northern cell is within the dual-Doppler baseline. SMART-R and TOGA are monitoring the southern segment for further development and dual-Doppler coordination. Another cell to the SE is approaching the radar. DRJ 15:47 UTC: dual-Doppler coordination with SMART-R for the South_Near task. At this time multiple convective cells are developing to the south of the radar. The echo tops are only around 18 degrees elevation, so we are switching to South_Far task. In addition, convective showers are widespread over the northern two sectors of the radar display. DRJ 17:16 UTC: We have switched to a North_Far task. Most of the convection on the south side of the Keys has dissipated or has moved to the north of the Keys. Convection is taking place over many areas within the northern sectors. TOGA and SMART-R have changed the azimuth limits for the North_Far task to include convection taking place to the west. DRJ 17:26 UTC: The cells directly over the Keys are aligned perpendicular to the Keys. TOGA received light rain for a few minutes. DRJ 18:30 UTC: Both SMART-R and TOGA went back to the original azimuth limits for the North_Far task. At this time, a cluster of cells is to the NW at 30-70 km range. Also, widespread convection is taking place over the SW Florida peninsula. DRJ 20:06 UTC: The coordinated scanning with SMART-R is still going on. Most of the convection is in the northern sector and is moving towards the NW. Most of the convection is getting beyond 100 km, with the exception of one cell to the N at 50 km moving away from the radar. DRJ 20:20 UTC: At 25km range towards the NW, three new convective cells are developing in a line segment. DRJ 20:35 UTC: The cell at 50 km to the north is moving NW and is merging with a cluster of showers at 80km range. In addition, convective showers moving off the Florida peninsula have a more westward component of motion and are merging with this rain area. The line segment forming to the NW at 25km range appears to be back building to the SE as another cell has developed. DRJ 21:35 UTC: The radar echoes are continuing their movement to the NW. Another group of convective cells has developed to the N at 35km range. The North_Far task is still running along with SMART-R. DRJ 21:45 UTC: At this time, the coordinated scanning with SMART- R has stopped. The large echoes of precipitation are beyond 100km range. Smaller groups of convective showers exist to the N and NW. DRJ 09-02-01 00:45 UTC: Scattered showers to the northwest from 270 to 360 degrees. Reflectivity values all below 50 dBZ. Dissipating cells over northern Cuba. CDR 03:03 UTC: Cells to the northwest have dissipated. No significant weather to report. CDR 07:00 UTC: An impressive cell formed at 5 Z 100km out, directly to the northwest. Highest reflectivity at 55 dBZ, 45 km wide on its major axis. It continued to travel northwest, breaking up by 6 Z. Still widely scattered showers to the northwest. CDR 09:27 UTC: Scattered convection widely scattered on the scope. Greatest concentration remains to the NW where the previously mentioned cell has undergone several “up and down” periods of intensity. Max reflectivity on this cell, as well as a cell nearly due west at nearly 200 km, is in the 44 to 50 dBZ range. Considered calling Jerry/Biggerstaff, but each time I do, the cell goes into a “down” phase of intensity. KLM 10:40 UTC: No significant changes. KLM 13:19 UTC: Continued modest convective activity to the Northwest. JRL 16:26 UTC: Modest convection developed somewhat south of due west in addition to convection to the northwest. JRL 18:10 UTC: The convection is restricted to the northwest and is weaker than it was earlier today. JRL 21:25 UTC: Convection developing over land in South Florida and Cuba. JRL 23:18 UTC: Small strong cells over Cuba reflectivity has slightly weakened to 50 dBZ. Showers over the mainland of Florida and scattered to the east. CDR 09-03-01 05:05 UTC: Small strong cells (50 dBZ) 100km due north of the radar off of the FL coast moving east. JKJ 07:09 UTC: Strong cells have dissipated. Widely scattered thunderstorms are developing from northeast to south of the radar and are moving due east. Otherwise, all’s quiet on the western front. JKJ 09:27 UTC: Scattered showers all the way around. Most collected to the southeast. No reflectivity values higher than 40 dBZ. CDR 12:16 UTC: The scattered showers that were all around us have dissipated, and everything out there is dissipating as it moves to the Northwest. There are a few small cells over the Florida Peninsula, also there is one tiny cell about 50km away from the radar, to the Northwest. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50 dBz range. NSD 13:24 UTC: The cells over Florida have dissipated, other than that, there is nothing else significant to report, at this time. NSD 14:23 UTC: Conditions remain the same. Nothing new to report. NSD 15:26 UTC: Nothing new to report, there is no significant weather, to speak of, out there. NSD 16:34 UTC: Started coordinating with SMART-R on North Sector scans. There still is no significant weather out there to speak of, with the exception of a small cell 125km Northwest of the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50 dBz range. NSD 17:50 UTC: Still doing coordinated sectors, There are groups of small convective cells developing over the Florida mainland. Reflectivity values are in the 10 to 40 dBz range. Other than that there is no other significant weather at this time. NSD 18:00 UTC: No longer doing coordinated scans with SMART-R, went back to standard SURV_FAR, and KAMP_FAR scans. NSD 18:48 UTC: There is a mid sized cell passing right over us. I’m thinking that it will skirt West of the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50 dBz range. Also there are scattered cells all around from 100 to 250km away from the radar, reflectivity values are the same. All cells are tracking Northwest. NSD 19:50 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report, except that the cell that I mentioned earlier, has skirted West of us, then dissipated. NSD 20:50 UTC: Strong cells are now forming around the Fort Meyers, and Cape Sable, areas of Florida, in the North, and there are strong cells forming over Cuba in the South. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 55 dBz range. So far there is nothing but scattered stratiform cells all around the radar, although, nothing as strong as the other areas mentioned. The closest of the small cells is 50 to 100km away from the radar in all directions. Everything is tracking Northwest. NSD 21:46 UTC: The cells over Cuba have converged to form one large storm, but haven’t moved North into the ocean yet. There is a small cell just popping up about 10km North of the radar. It too, is moving Northwest. The cells over Florida have now bunched up over the Fort Meyers area. There are still scattered cells all around the radar at 50 to 250km away. Reflectivity values remain the same, as does the track of the mass. NSD 22:45 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report. NSD 09-04-01 02:30 UTC: Strong storms off the western coast of Florida with max at 65dBz but are moving west away from our area. Other storms are developing south and southeast of the Keys along what appears to be an outflow boundary from storms that dissipate over Cuba. Overall motion still to the west at about 15kts/6m s-1. JKJ 03:00 UTC: Storms starting to move within 20 km from TOGA. Max reflectivity values around 50-55 dBz with movement west- northwest at about 15kts. JKJ 03:21 UTC: Switched to KAMP_NEAR with convection ALQDS around TOGA. Strongest storms were located within 20km from TOGA to the Southeast at 55 dBz and another core about 50km to the Northwest at 55 dBz. Movement continues to be west- northwest at 15kts. JKJ-CDR 03:26 UTC: KAMP_NEAR running at a 7 min 30 sec interval while SURV_NEAR is running at a 16 minute interval. Storms still located ALQDS with occasional lightning seen out the windows. Max reflectivity values still around 50 dBz with the strongest cores now to the north-northwest at about 25 km and southeast 10 km. Movement remains north-northwest at 15kts. JKJ-CDR 04:00 UTC: Storm that was heading for TOGA has dissipated, but other activity continues southeast and northwest of the radar. Strongest storms were northwest of the radar at ~50 km with 45-50 dBz cores. Other storms were developing to the Northwest beyond 75km and a large area of storms was moving towards the radar from the southeast, but was over 150 km away. JKJ 04:25 UTC: Switched back to KAMP_FAR. CDR 05:50 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-Radar to set up dual- doppler scan on KAMP_FAR. Most of the convection has weakened or moved out of area that prompted calling everyone. However, another area is starting to move in from the east with areas of 50-55 dBz reflectivity values. JKJ 09:30 UTC: Have been talking to Carrie off and on, he’s at SMART-R and has gotten all of our information in order to coordinate, but still hasn’t called to go dual yet. There’s a nice cluster to the northeast and also to the south- southwest, highest reflectivity between 50-55 dBZ. Most are out of dual-doppler range. CDR 12:16 UTC: Mass of weather to our northwest has persisted for at least three hours now, and although the general motion throughout the entire area is toward the west, this storm system appears to be moving closer toward us rather than away. Reflectivity values in this storm are up to ~50dBz. There are also a few small cells closer in around the 30-50 km range. These cells have very small cores, and their max values are ~45 dBz. It appears that some of these small cells are moving more rapidly to the NW than the large cluster, and thus are being absorbed into the large cluster. Perhaps this is what is making it look like the large cluster is moving towards us. VAC 12:30 UTC: The velocity display on RTD shows that there are some small areas of convergence within the large cluster of weather. These areas of convergence coincide with the strongest reflectivity values found within the system. VAC 13:06 UTC: TOGA and SMART-R (Guynes) begin coordinating NORTH_FAR sector scans. There is a small cell that has just developed right north of TOGA site that seems to be growing fast. Reflectivity values currently max out at ~45dBz. VAC 13:27 UTC: SMART-R and TOGA switch to NORTH_NEAR sector scans because TOGA is not seeing the tops of the cells. VAC 13:30 UTC: SMART-R switches back to NORTH_FAR because it was seeing clear sky at 16deg. SMART-R also doing surveillance scans because it is lapping TOGA on sector scans (TOGA has many more tilts). VAC 13:41 UTC: Tops of these cells close by are at 10 km and have max reflectivity values up to ~45dBz. VAC 14:25 UTC: TOGA switches back to NORTH_FAR. SMART-R is having problems with computer software, so we are no longer coordinating scans. VAC 14:33 UTC: One cell is creeping into the east edge of the sector scan at 60deg and 45 km range. Max reflectivity values are ~45dBz. VAC 15:01 UTC: Switch to KAMP_FAR scan. The large area of weather present earlier this morning is still present, but now it is a large stratiform area rather than a cellular structure. VAC 15:22 UTC: Switch to FULL_FAR scan. Lots of second trip in the northwest quadrant. Small cells are beginning to pop to the east. VAC 16:16 UTC: A cell is forming to the south out about 20km with reflectivity values up to 50-53dBz. A group of very small cells forming in a line to the southeast basically along a radial at 135deg. We are working on coordinating FULL_FAR scans with SMART-R. VAC 16:38 UTC: Started FULL_NEAR scans. The cells in to the southeast have moved in close to us, so when the radar reaches its top tilt at 44deg the cell closest to us still has reflectivity up to 50dBz. VAC 16:55 UTC: It’s raining outside. The cells to the southeast have begun merging so that there are fewer, but larger cells now. Small cells are popping all over Florida and the northeast quadrant. VAC 17:22 UTC: Rain has stopped. Ran a couple RHIs, but put bad angles in them, so did not see anything interesting. VAC 17:54 UTC: The cells that began forming about an hour ago to the northwest have started to merge and become much stronger (max values ~55dBz). Second trip is prevalent in the southeast quadrant. VAC 18:32 UTC: There’s stuff all over the place right now! The system to the northwest has grown more and still has max values around 55dBz. The velocity data shows tiny couplets of inbound and outbound values that correspond with the some of the strongest portions of the system. Tops on this system are above 15 km. VAC 18:46 UTC: Ran RHIs over this system from 280deg to 315deg. Found cells with tops up to 14 km. VAC 18:48 UTC: Switched to KAMP_FAR. VAC 19:25 UTC: Did RHIs over same area. Cells are much weaker now, and tops are less than 10 km throughout much of the area. VAC 19:28 UTC: Switched back to FULL_FAR. Data from FULL_FAR has a lot more noise in it than that from KAMP_FAR because FULL_FAR uses PPP and uses lower filters. KAMP_FAR uses random phase and higher filters. The noise is such that it shouldn’t be hard to edit it later manually though. VAC 19:51 UTC: The system to the northwest is still present, though it has moved further to the northwest and now is ~70 km away from the TOGA site. Right now it seems to be splitting apart a bit, and as a result there are separate reflectivity max’s instead of the one big mass of high reflectivity that existed earlier. This system has developed a tail of high clouds that extends down to the south of the convective area. Cells continue to form over Florida and then move offshore to the west. VAC 20:46 UTC: The northwest system has broken apart, and all that is left are a few small to medium sized cells with max reflectivity values at about 45 dBz. This is down from the values we saw at 20:15, which were up into the low 50’s. There still are a few cells coming off of Florida, though not as much as before. Further up the peninsula there are some larger cells growing that have values up around 56 dBz. However, these are out at a 200-300 km range from here. Motion continues to be toward the west for all weather out there. VAC 21:30 UTC: Only a few small cells are left to the west over the ocean. The majority of the activity is located over Florida and Cuba. There is one cell 150 km out to the southwest that moved off of Cuba recently, and another mass mostly stratiform in nature has moved into the surveillance scan and currently is 250 km away. VAC 22:27 UTC: A cell has fired up to the north. This cell was born around 2145, and now is still fairly small, but strong (values up to ~48 dBz). Another small cell has developed to the southeast out about 70 km. VAC 9-5-01 02:24 UTC: Storms over Cuba have dissipated and have kicked an outflow boundary that is moving north towards the Keys. Storms (max Z values near 45 dBz) are developing along the boundary and are moving north. Other storms are moving off the Florida peninsula into the eastern GOM. JKJ 06:30 UTC: Widely scattered cells are starting to develop to the southeast of the radar. Very small and are moving towards the northwest at about 15kts. JKJ 08:30 UTC: A cell has fired to the east of the radar at about 50km. Occasional lightning is seen out the window to the east with storm motion northwest at about 15kts. Max reflectivity is around 45 dBz. JKJ 11:00 UTC: There is a large group of small cells Northwest of the radar bunching up into one storm about 100 to 210km away. Reflectivity values are in the18 to 50dBz range. There are also some small-scattered cells to the Southeast of the radar. Reflectivity values are the same. All cells are tracking Northwest, coming from the Southeast. NSD 12:50 UTC: The large area of weather to the northwest has persisted and is now located between 150 and 250 km in range. This area has become more stratiform in nature, but still has a few areas of higher reflectivity values imbedded within the system. New cells are forming in the northwest quadrant within a 100km range and moving toward the northwest. The cores of these small cells have reflectivity values up to 50dBz. VAC 13:13 UTC: Rebooted IRIS and took a new noise sample. VAC 14:15 UTC: Small cells are popping all over. There are some to our immediate northwest, one just to the southeast, and a few more small ones to the south. The large area of stratiform precipitation is still alive to the northwest at about a 200 km range. Another larger system has formed to the northwest from cells that began forming and merging at 1145 in the northwest quadrant. This system is 100-150 km in range. A line of cells is forming to the ESE that is oriented in a 60deg direction. VAC 14:56 UTC: Conditions remain virtually the same, the only difference is that the cells that were coming towards the radar are now over us. There is a slight amount of rain falling. Reflectivity values remain the same as does the northwesterly track. NSD 15:35 UTC: Lost the raw data for the FULL_FAR scans for the time between the 1246 scan and the 1439 scan. The FULL_FAR products were not saved into the CAMEX product scheduler, and were not rescheduled until just a few minutes ago. The data before 1439 had already been kicked off of the machine. VAC 17:07 UTC: Cells seem to be initialized over the Keys, develop and move northwestward as if in the general SE to NW flow the passage of air over land results in the triggering of the cells. Made an RHI product of one of them with a 55dBz max at an azimuth of 286. JRL 18:12 UTC: The large cells just Northwest of the radar, have dissipated just that quickly. They are now just remnants of what they were, about 75 to 150km away from the radar in all directions. Reflectivity values are still in the 18 to 50 dBz range, and the track is still to the Northwest. NSD 19:10 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report. NSD 20:15 UTC: Now, all the scattered cells that were in the 75 to 150km range have virtually dissipated. There is only one small cell to the Northwest, about 100km away, that is still present. The reflectivity remains the same as the last entry. More cells are forming over Cuba, and the last large cells over Florida are steadily moving north away from the radar. Other than that, there is no significant activity in our area. NSD 21:30 UTC: The cells that have formed over Cuba are now making their way towards the radar. They are about 75 to 150km away from the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 2 to 37 dBz range. The track has turned more North by Northwest, as opposed to just Northwest. NSD 22:40 UTC: There is a strong cell that has developed right off of Key West, about 40km to the West of the radar. Have coordinated with SMART-R, and am now running the NORTH_NEAR, and SURV_NEAR scans. Reflectivity values are in the 12 to 55 dBz range, and the storm is tracking West. Shall remain in the near mode until further notice. NSD 09-06-01 00:10 UTC: Switched tapes and coordinated with SMART-R to reschedule tasks so they are running nearly at the same times. Still running NORTH_NEAR and SURV_NEAR scans. One good storm northeast of the radar with reflectivity values around 45 dBz, but all other convection has dissipated close to the radar. Other strong storms were located over the northern coast of Cuba and were moving out over the ocean. JKJ 01:45 UTC: Convection in the NORTH_NEAR sector scan has dissipated. New storms developing to the east and southeast of the radar. Coordinated with SMART-R to place SMART-R into standby and switch TOGA into FULL_FAR and SURV_FAR. Other storms outside of 100km to the southeast of the radar and storms due south at about 100 km. Strongest reflectivity values at 50 dBz. JKJ 02:10 UTC: New convection is developing northeast of the radar along the Keys. Coordinated with SMART-R to start volume scans at the same time. Still running FULL_FAR and SURV_FAR. Max reflectivity values on storms northeast of radar ~50 dBz and movement is to the northwest at about 15kts. JKJ 02:55 UTC: Had to switch the radar to FULL_NEAR because strongest storms had tops above highest tilt. Coordinated with SMART-R to set up the volume scan times. Strong storm located within 30 km to the southeast of TOGA with occasional LTG seen out the window. Reflectivity values at the surface are near 45 dBz with 55dBz aloft. Other strong storms located northeast of the radar with max reflectivity values near 55 dBz. JKJ 03:11 UTC: New storm developing right on top of the radar. JKJ 04:00 UTC: Radar stopped with an “Error from call to DSPREAD” at 03:58. Attempted to restart the volume scan but forgot to check the “GO” light on the signal processor. I halted the volume scan after realizing that no data was being collected. Nathan had to turn off the processor and then back on to get it to reset. Ran FULL_NEAR to test and make sure that it was running O.K. JKJ 04:20 UTC: Radar is back up and operational. Restarted with FULL_FAR and SURV_FAR since there were no returns at the highest tilts in the NEAR volume scans. Strongest storms were located southwest of the radar between 50 and 100 km. Highest reflectivity values were around 45 dBz. JKJ 06:30 UTC: Most of the activity has moved off to the northwest from the Keys. A good convective cell was located northwest of the radar around 25-40 km. Reflectivity values range from 30-50 dBz. Storm is in a good location for dual- doppler work. New activity is trying to develop to the southeast of the Keys around 75-100 km away with reflectivity values from 40-45 dBz. JKJ 06:55 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-R to set up the NORTH_NEAR scan for activity northeast of the radar. Other storms continue to move towards the Keys from the southeast. Strongest echo was located northwest of the radar at about 50 km with reflectivity values near 50 dBz. JKJ 08:55 UTC: Activity of interest has moved out of area, while new activity is trying to develop to the southeast of the radar. Other storms are also trying to develop to the southwest of TOGA, but reflectivity values remain low and storms are very isolated. JKJ 09:55 UTC: Widely scattered storms still moving towards the Keys from the southeast. Other storms trying to develop due south of radar. JKJ 10:30 UTC: New cell developed just northeast of the radar site. Occasional lightning seen outside window. Movement was northwest at about 15kts with maximum reflectivity values around 40 dBz. JKJ 11:26 UTC: New cells have popped up in a line to the north. The main part of this line extends up to the north about 25 km. A second leg extends off the bottom of the first leg toward the east about 15km. Doing NORTH_NEAR sector scans with SMART-R. VAC 12:20 UTC: Switched to FULL_NEAR. Not coordinated with SMART-R right now. VAC 13:04 UTC: Coordinating with SMART-R on FULL_NEAR scans. There are little cells popping all around mostly to the southeast and northwest, but nothing is very large right now. The line we were watching earlier has pretty much dissipated. VAC 13:46 UTC: Coordinating with SMART-R on FULL_FAR scans. VAC 14:04 UTC: Line of storms has formed off to the northwest, but most of it is out of range for dual doppler. However, some new convection is firing on the southern end of the line, so perhaps there will be some activity closer in soon. A few clusters have developed to the southeast, but these aren’t very tall yet (~8km) and have max reflectivity values up around 42-45 dBz. VAC 15:00 UTC: Begin FULL_NEAR scans with SMART-R. Changed the speed from 14 deg/s to 15 deg/s which decrease running time by ~30 sec. This allowed us to change the repeat time to 8 min from 9 min. VAC 15:23 UTC: A line has formed to the southeast of the line from earlier, and is well within the doppler lobes (50-100 km range from TOGA). This line is oriented in the same direction as the first line, and there is a small cell forming in between the ends of the two lines – perhaps these two lines will join up into one long line. Max reflectivity values are ~56 dBz. A third cluster of cells has formed to the southeast of the second line, and is within 30 km of TOGA site, toward the northwest. A fourth area of interest is directly to the west, where there is a cluster of cells that was born about 30 min ago, but already has reflectivity values up around 48dBz. The only quadrant that is semi quiet right now is the southeast quadrant. Otherwise, things are very active and moving to the northwest. VAC 16:21 UTC: The storm is putting out some good lightning to the north of here. The two southernmost lines are beginning to join up at their northern most tips to form a horseshoe around TOGA with its open end toward the southeast. Max reflectivity values are found in the round part of the horseshoe where the two lines met (~58dBz). VAC 17:01 UTC: Begin coordinating NORTH_NEAR with SMART-R. Most of the activity is to the northeast right now. System has changed from a horseshoe shape to more of a big blob. This system is occupying most of the northern lobe (yahoooo!) and does not appear to be dissipating any time soon. Max reflectivity values are up to ~52 dBz. VAC 18:12 UTC: Almost entire northwest quadrant covered. The strongest cores are out about 100 km and have max reflectivity values of 54 dBz. To the north there are a few more areas of high reflectivity a little closer in. Otherwise, most of the northwest quadrant is covered with stratiform precipitation. VAC 21:13 UTC: Most activity has moved out to the 75km range and turned stratiform. VAC 22:08 UTC: Stopped coordinating with SMART-R. Things have quieted down a lot. There is a little action to the north, but all else is quiet. VAC 09-07-2001 00:00 UTC: The radar screen is almost completely void of weather echoes. Some noise and second trip echoes dominate the lowest few tilts of the FULL_FAR task however. KLM 02:00 UTC: Some isolated cells have begun to fire up over the last half hour east and southeast of the Keys between 50 and 150 km out. The cells are moving generally to the west. KLM 04:00 UTC: Isolated cells dominate the eastern and southern portions of the radar screen. No significant convection to report. The isolated cells are moving to the west- northwest. KLM 06:00 UTC: Isolated cells continue to fire in the southern and western portions of the area as well as over the Keys. Movement of the cells is to the northwest. KLM 06:05 UTC: XPOL was called up due to numerous small cells within 60 km of the XPOL radar site. 08:00 UTC: Scattered showers continue across the region. Cells continue to move off to the northwest. KLM 10:00 UTC: Scattered showers continue across the region. The strongest cells are to the northwest and northeast. Movement is nearly due north now. KLM 11:44 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. NSD 13:15 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. NSD 14:15 UTC: There is a large stratiform rain region to the west and Southwest of Tampa. This region is beginning to dissipate. Also, the northwest quadrant has convective elements developing and clustering together at ranges 50- 100km. At this time, decisions are being made on what area to fly the aircraft. DRJ 16:00 UTC: The stratiform region near Tampa has dissipated. The convective elements that formed the cluster towards the northwest still exists. There is also a line of cells developing to the east moving to the north. This line is parallel to the Keys. Coordination with SMART-R began ~1550 UTC with a FULL_FAR task. DRJ 17:05 UTC: The stratiform rain region is still persisting to the northwest at 70km range. The line to the east of the radar has broken up and only a few isolated cells remain. Elsewhere, convection is developing over a wide region and is organizing into larger clusters to the south and north near 50km range. DRJ 18:28 UTC: The stratiform rain region is still persisting at 70km range towards the northwest. The aircraft have decided to fly echoes over the Gulf of Mexico, outside the range of TOGA. A line of convective showers has developed over Key West and the line is expanding to the east. Elsewhere, convective cells are developing over a widespread area. DRJ 19:32 UTC: Most of the convective activity is dissipating. All that really remains are weak stratiform regions. The line to the west of TOGA is also dissipating rapidly. Some coordination was done with X-POL doing RHIs. DRJ 21:15 UTC: Now there is only one cell directly West of Key West. The rest of the convection that was present this morning has dissipated with the exception of the large storm over the Florida Peninsula. There are also small cells forming over Cuba. The cell next to Key West is about 50 to 65km away from the island. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50 dBz range for everything within the radar’s range. All cells seem to be standing still, which is rather peculiar, although I believe that everything is tracking north. NSD 21:57 UTC: Shutdown for generator maintenance. Since there is no weather to speak of in the immediate vacinity. NSD 23:16 UTC: System brought back up. Generator maintenance performed. No problems. NSD 09-08-2001 01:37 UTC: A fairly quiet evening with most convective activity confined to the region beyond the 100 km range ring from the TOGA radar. One very small cell of around 20dBz was observed just east of the radar site. DSS 03:54 UTC: Within the past half-hour an isolated cell developed just to the east of Key West and moved west. Some other cells with intensities to 45 dBz are located both SE and NW of the radar at distances of 60 km and beyond. Most of this activity is moving slowly to the NW. DSS 04:54 UTC: The activity over Key West rapidly diminished, as has much of the activity within 100 km. The most impressive convection is located about 140 km west of the radar and is displaying a slow northward movement. DSS 06:18 UTC: There is a continued lack of activity within 50 km of the radar site. A couple of stronger cells to 45dBz are found about 60 km NW of TOGA and about 55 km NE of the radar. The more widespread convection about 140 km west of the radar has diminished in intensity. DSS 07:28 UTC: Most of the activity is now confined to the NW quadrant with isolated cells to 45dBz at distances exceeding 30 km from the radar and moving generally northwestward. DSS 08:43 UTC: There is a slight intensification in convective activity to the southeast of the radar but at distances exceeding 100 km. The convective area to the NW of the radar has become more elongated and cells have weakened over the last hour. DSS 09:55 UTC: A cluster of cells remains to the west of the radar site with a second weaker area to the north. Both regions of echo are 50 km from the radar with isolated maximum reflectivity values of 45 dBz. DSS 15:24 UTC: There are three cells to the west and northwest of us with total diameters of about 50Km at a range of 50 to 100 km with maximum dBz of 50. This area has been busy since we arrived at 11Z. JRL 16:06 UTC: Two cells with diameters of 5 to 10 km have been developing at a range of 20 to 25 km north of us with a max dBz of 45.The activity mentioned above to the west and northwest in the 50 to 100km range continues. JRL 17:47 UTC: Convective activity to the west and northwest at a range of 50 to 100km has weakened considerably. A new cell with a 20km radius has developed north of us at a range of 35 to 50km. Convective activity has picked up over the Florida Peninsula especially near Fort Lauderdale. JRL 18:09 UTC: A new cell has developed about 10 to the Northwest of us. It has a diameter of 5 to 10 km. The maximum dBz is 50. There are two additional cells of similar size just to the northwest of Sugar Loaf key. JRL 18:32 UTC: We coordinated dual Doppler with X-pole using North_Near scanning from 265 to 60 on the cell developing to the northwest of us and to the northeast of X-pole. The cell has a 55dBz max. JRL 19:08 UTC: Another bigger cell growing moved in from the SW into the prime dual Doppler region between TOGA and X-pole. We started repeats of dual Doppler between TOGA and X-Pole. JRL 20:32 UTC: The cell described above has dissipated while another, not as large, developed to the northeast and also dissipated. Convection has developed over Florida Bay closer to the mainland. There is also large-scale convection off to the west at 100km moving in toward us. We went back to the earlier routine of SURV_FAR, RHI_XXX_150 and FULL_FAR. We changed the RHI to an azimuth of 75 to look at the convection in Florida Bay. JRL 23:02 UTC: Convection has been developing on the Florida peninsula. A rain band developed closer towards the southeast and then dissipated. JRL 00:08 UTC: New storm trying to develop northeast of the radar at about 100 km with max reflectivity values around 55 dBz and lightning can be seen out the window. Other storms located south of the radar at 50 km with max reflectivity values around 50 dBz. JKJ 01:14 UTC: Called SMART-R and XPOL to let them know about storms that were rapidly developing within 50 km north and south of the radars. Both parties said that they would call back to let us know if they were going operational. Strongest storm was located ~ 25 km NW of the TOGA radar with reflectivity values around 50 dBZ. Other storms were located south of the radar with maximum reflectivity values near 45 dBz. Storms were holding together and moving generally toward the south at about 10 knots. JKJ 01:27 UTC: Switched scans to FULL_NEAR and SURV_NEAR since radar was still not seeing the tops of the storms. JKJ 02:44 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-R to set up dual-doppler scans with the FULL_NEAR and SURV_NEAR sweeps. Strongest storms were located over the SMART-R site with reflectivity values around 50 dBz and movement slowly to the east. Other storms were weakening between the TOGA and SMART radars, with more storms developing about 70 km to the northwest and southeast of the radar. JKJ 03:45 UTC: Strongest activity has developed about 30 km south of SMART-R (40 Southwest of TOGA) and continues to move south at about 15kts. Maximum reflectivity values are around 40 dBz. Other activity is developing about 75km west- northwest of TOGA with reflectivity around 55 dBz but is moving outside of dual-doppler range. Overall activity is showing a general decreasing trend. JKJ 04:53 UTC: Light rain is falling at the TOGA radar site. Almost all convective activity has dissipated into stratiform rain within 75 km from the radar. Other convective cells with reflectivity values near 40 dBz are west-southwest of the radar at almost 100km. JKJ 05:18 UTC: Called SMART-R to see how long they wanted to continue to run. General consensus was that we would wait until the last echoes move beyond 75 km from SMART-R or the storms move into the beam blockage area caused by the cab of the truck. General trend for activity within 100 km continues to be downward. Strongest cells (45 dBz) were still over 100 km away from the radar to the south- southwest. JKJ 05:34 UTC: Switched TOGA to FULL_FAR and SURV_FAR. Most precipitation in dual-doppler lobes has completely dissipated, and strongest echoes were beyond 100 km (still). JKJ 06:34 UTC: General trend continues to show decrease in intensity ALQDS. Strongest storms were south of the radar at 100km moving north at about 15kts. JKJ 08:34 UTC: New showers trying to develop to the east of the radar site over 100 km away. Otherwise, mostly spotty light showers. JKJ 09:35 UTC: More showers developing 150 km to the east of the radar site. Other storms were developing to the south and east of the radar but were small and light. JKJ 10:48 UTC: Some activity trying to develop north of the Keys about halfway to the FL mainland. Other activity was trying to develop southeast of the radar about 100 km out. JKJ. 13:31 UTC: A band of convection has been persistent to the NE along the coast of mainland Florida. Most of the activity has been beyond 50 km from TOGA. There is presently no significant activity in the Keys. The aircraft are scheduled to be in the area after 16 UTC. PAK 14:40 UTC: Talked to Jerry at SMART-R. We are going to reconfigure the system for 2 min repeats in a narrow sector and for 4 min repeats for the far sector and 5 min repeats for the near sector. The convection continues to be focused to the N-NE, but is moving closer during the past hour. PAK 16:23 UTC: The P3 and DC-8 took off at noon to come to make a coordinated fly over of the MIPS site. At the moment there is little convection close in. There is significant convection north of 25N and between 81 and 82W. 16:58 UTC: P3 Passed overhead. No convection over us. Indications have the aircraft moving north to intercept a line of convection centered 75 km due north of TOGA. The line is moving NNE about 20 km/hr. Max dBZ=50 dBZ. Another stronger line is moving SE’ward and is approaching the line moving NE’ward. PAK 17:40 UTC: SMART-R and TOGA was out of synch from 1720-1740. We are back in Synch. Not much activity in DD lobe. Most of the convection is to the NE near the Florida coast. The planes are working the system near the coast. PAK. 19:26 UTC: A large area of convection persists to our NW at 81 35’, 25 35’, which is about 75 km to our NW. There is a leading line of convection orientated W-E on the southern edge, with a broad area of stratiform and embedded convection to the north side of the system. The aircraft (DC8 and P3) are working the system located at the coordinates above. Maximum reflectivity exceeds 50 dBZ in a few convective cores. The system has remained north of the keys in the same general area for the past 3 hours. The general movement is easterly. PAK 21:16 UTC: A large cell near due west moved westward just north of the Keys (within 10 to 20 km). At 20:50 we shifted from NORTH_FAR to NORTH_NEAR. We are doing dual Doppler with SMART-R and X-POLE is doing sector scans over the cell trying to synch with us collecting in the polarimetric mode. 22:00 UTC: The strong cell that was to the West has moved over us. Raining hard at the site. (started about 1 min ago.). The strongest portion of the cell is about 5 km north of us with max reflectivity > 55 dBZ. Nice outflow boundary reaches us about 10 min before. A broad region of stratiform follows the convection to the west for about 75km. XPOL was hit hard. He mentioned that the signal was completely attenuated in the direction of the core, even polarimetric. PAK 23:44 UTC: New convective complex moving in from the west at ~100 km away from TOGA. Still running NORTH_NEAR and SURV_NEAR to stay in sync with SMART-RADAR. Will have to call after changing the tapes over. JKJ 00:14 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-R to continue the NORTH_NEAR and SURV_FAR scans. Strongest storms were located to the west of TOGA at around 100 km with maximum reflectivity values at ~55 dBz. Storms continued to move to the east at about 15kts. JKJ 01:15 UTC: Convective cluster west of the radars continues to move to the east towards us. Reflectivity values have dropped somewhat down to 45 dBz on average. There is a leading edge of convection with a large area of stratiform rain behind it. Otherwise, most of the activity from earlier in the day has moved beyond 100 km to the east. JKJ 01:40 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-R. Sounded like scans were off by about 15 seconds. Decided to let it be as convective activity was moving into dual-doppler north lobe. Line of convection was moving towards the keys at about 15kts, with maximum reflectivity values near 50 dBz. Strongest storm was moving straight for the Keys. JKJ 02:35 UTC: Leading edge of storms (50 dBz) has reached Key West. Lightning activity dropped from frequent IC to nothing within about 10 minutes. Strongest portion of the storm was north of the island itself. Movement continues to be towards the east-northeast at 15kts. JKJ 03:24 UTC: New convective activity developing north of the area closest to the radar and is within the dual-doppler lobe. Highest reflectivity values in new convection are 55dBz with movement now east at about 15kts. However, reflectivity values have been decreasing overall. JKJ 03:50 UTC: Activity in north dual-doppler lobe has totally dissipated. SMART-R called, and decision was made to switch to FULL_FAR and SURV_FAR. Strongest activity was southwest of TOGA at ~100 km with reflectivity around 45 dBz. General trend continues to be decrease in intensity. JKJ 05:15 UTC: Most activity now around 100 km south of TOGA. Other strong storms were located on the western coast of Florida near Tampa Bay. Also appears that there is a low- pressure system located northwest of the Keys based on the movement of the echoes. JKJ 06:30 UTC: A line of storms has developed starting about 30 miles southeast of TOGA and extending southwest from there. The most intense echoes are located on the northern end of the line (~ 50-55 dBz) with the reflectivity values in the line itself around 30-40 dBz. JKJ 07:30 UTC: Line of storms continues to move towards the east at about 10-15 knots. Reflectivity values in the line are dropping, while the northern end of the line continues to have reflectivity values near 55 dBz. The north end is also starting to move more towards the northeast at 15 knots. JKJ 08:30 UTC: Convective line has pretty much dissipated. Northern end continues to move northeast at about 15 knots with strongest reflectivity values northeast of the radar at 40 km. JKJ 10:30 UTC: Only stuff on radar was well to the northwest around 150 km and slowly moving south, with another area of light to moderate rain moving onto the southern tip of Florida. JKJ 12:07 UTC: The large cell that was over Florida is now moving to the Southwest. It is still about 125km Northwest of the radar. The wind seems to have reversed direction. Now it is blowing out of the Northwest, pushing everything to the Southeast. Reflectivity values remain the same, in the 18 to 50dBz range. NSD 13:09 UTC: The large cell mentioned before has moved slightly closer in the last hour, all other conditions remain exactly the same. No other significant facts to report. NSD 14:11 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing new to report. NSD 15:13 UTC: Convection to the northwest is moving ESE. Cells aligned 60/240 degrees have developed along the broad area of convection. Two cells within dual Doppler range formed out in front of the aligned cells. JRL 16:11 UTC: The convection to the Northwest is now about 50km away from the radar. There is a huge wall of convection coming straight for us. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. All convection is still tracking East- Southeast. NSD 17:18 UTC: The wall of convection consists of numerous merged cells in the middle with new cells developing at both ends of the line from 70 kilometers west of the Dry Tortugas all the way to north of Fort Lauderdale. 17:44 UTC: The line is about on us. The movie of SURVEY_FAR ending 17:35 shows that the cells are diminishing in strength all along the line. 18:47 UTC: The convective cell is upon us now. The gust front came through, but, the wind is still blowing pretty well here. Reflectivity values remain the same, (18 to 50dBz), as does the track (SSE). We did some coordinated RHIs with SMART_R and now have resumed the NORTH_NEAR, and the SURV_FAR scans. NSD 19:32 UTC: The storm is almost half way through now. Conditions remain the same. We have been doing an RHI, (over MIPS), in place of the SURV_FAR scan, and have been coordinated with SMART_R the whole time. NSD 20:32 UTC: The storm has passed over us and broken up. Scattered cells remain in the Southwest and the Southeast. There is also a large cell directly West of us. Reflectivity remains the same, as does the track. We have switched back to the NORTH_FAR, and are running in conjunction with SMART_R. NSD 21:32 UTC: Conditions remain the same, except that the large cell directly West of us is now tracking East. There is a general counterclockwise circulation in the rainfall pattern centered about 50 km west of Fort Meyers. The NWS at Key West in the hurricane report has been saying conditions are favorable for development off the central-west coast of Florida despite the proximity of the low to land. NSD/JRL 22:32 UTC: The large cell is breaking up now, splitting into scattered large and small cells. The largest of the cells is about 150 to 200km away from the radar directly East of Miami. There is a small gust front Northwest of Key West, and the remainder of the cell is Southwest of the Keys. Also there are small cells forming over Cuba. Reflectivity values are still the same, and the track is still East, with parts heading Northeast. The whole mass is swirling from Northwest to Northeast. NSD 00:05 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-Radar to set up the FULL_FAR scan only. New cells are developing to the south of TOGA and a line is also starting to form extending south of the radar. Maximum reflectivity values have been near 50dBz with occasional 55 dBz echoes. JKJ 01:20 UTC: Storm that was south of TOGA has dissipated while a convective line (average reflectivity values near 50 dBz) has formed to the east of TOGA. This line extended from the western Gulf Coast of Florida down to around Marathon Key, and off to the southeast. The line is moving east at about 15kts, with the stronger storms in the line segment trying to move northeast. Other echoes are starting to move into the western edge of the lowest tilt. JKJ 02:25 UTC: Convective line has started to dissipate some with stratiform rain region developing behind it to the west. Other activity is moving inside the 150km range to the northwest of the radar. Otherwise, nothing of much interest was going on close to TOGA. JKJ 03:00 UTC: New convective development is occurring about 50 km north of TOGA. Line of storms is oriented southwest northeast with reflectivity values around 40-45 dBz. Movement was to the north at about 15kts. JKJ 04:13 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-Radar to run NORTH_FAR and SURV_FAR scans. All rain activity in southern areas has dissipated and most precipitation was now located in the northeastern portion of the sector scan. Reflectivity values were near 45 dBz and movement was north. Other convective activity was about 200 km to the northwest of the radar and was slowly drifting towards the southeast. JKJ 06:30 UTC: New convective activity trying to develop to the west of the radar between 100 – 150 km. Movement was northeast. Also, could see indications of low-pressure center to the northwest of the radar (over 300 km away) based on the motion of the storms. JKJ 07:30 UTC: Storms haven’t held together as they move towards TOGA. Strongest storms were still over 100 km away. JKJ 08:30 UTC: Most activity has remained to the west of TOGA around 100km. Overall, activity has been slowly moving towards the Keys. Strongest returns remain near 45dBz with occasional 50dBz showing up. JKJ 10:00 UTC: No major changes. JKJ 11:43 UTC: The rain band that has been 100km Northwest of the radar has moved to about 50km, and has formed a gust front. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 53dBz range, and the winds are in a circular pattern going from Southwest to Northeast and back again. NSD 12:48 UTC: We have started coordinating scans with SMART_R. TOGA will be doing a NORTH_FAR, and SURV_FAR. SMART_R will be doing a NORTH_NEAR, and A SURV_NEAR. The reason for the different scans is because the rain band is closer to SMART_R than it is to TOGA. Reflectivity values remain the same, as do the wind patterns. The cell has moved to just within 50km of TOGA, but, the tops of the clouds disappear right at 17.2 degrees, thus the reason for the far scan. NSD 13:49 UTC: The rain band hasn’t moved in the last hour, it is still 50km West of the radar. Reflectivity values are still the same, although the height of the clouds has changed. We are still running the same scan strategy, and coordinating with SMART_R. The only thing that has changed, is the Azimuth for the NORTH_FAR is now 240 to 45 degrees. It was changed because of the position of the storm. The wind conditions haven’t changed either. The low-pressure center to the general circulation in the area is to our NW. We made a cross-section perpendicular to the SW-NE line of rain. Looking at the velocities the winds, they were from SE to NW at the bottom of the “rain-band” and NW to SE at the top of the band, circulation on a small scale like that in hurricane, “in a the bottom out at the top”. NSD/JRL 14:47 UTC: The “rain-band” remains in about the same position but the peak in convection has moved southwestward along the band. It appears as if a new band maybe developing just inside the old one. The alignment is more SSW to NNE and intersects the outer band at the region of most intense convection. This characteristic seems similar to what happens to the eye-wall of a hurricane. JRL 15:48 UTC: The convection has shifted to the new band, in the Northwest. Reflectivity values remain the same, in the 18 to 53 dBz range. The wind patterns, and general circulation, also remain the same. The convection remains 50km away from the radar, directly West. NSD 16:45 UTC: We undertook to make a series of RHI_XXX_150 scans from 245 to 360 every 5 degrees. The purpose was to check the wind fields in the “rain-bands”. The outer band was essentially gone and the inner band was barely within our range. From 245 to 280 the winds were towards us on the bottom and away from us on the top. At 280 it was close to neutral. From 285 to 360 the winds were outward from us on the bottom and inward towards us on the top. We resumed the NORTH_FAR and SURVEY_FAR scans back in synch with SMART_R but they shut down because of the breaking news story about terrorist attacks at the Twin Towers in NYC. NSD/JRL 18:17 UTC: TOGA is the only radar still operating at this point, because of the attacks in New York, and Washington D.C., so we have decided to revise our scanning strategy. We will now run a SURV_FAR, a RHI, and a NORTH_FAR, on a 10- min. schedule. We are waiting to see if the times were set up correctly. As far as the weather is concerned, conditions have changed slightly. The whole mass of convection has moved back out to 100km away, with reflectivity values, and general circulation, remaining the same as well. NSD 19:40 UTC: The other rain bands that we have been seeing all day have started to break up and move away from the radar. There is a new band forming right on top of us. Stretching all the way from the Whitewater bay area of Florida, down to Cuba. The reflectivity values seem to be remaining constant, (18 to 53dBz) and have throughout the day. The wind patterns and the general circulation has remained the same all day as well. NSD 20:35 UTC: The rain band is right on top of us right now. We have changed our scans to reflect what the radar is seeing. We are now running: SURV_FAR, and NORTH_FAR. Reflectivity values and general circulation remain the same. We are now coordinating with the SMART_R again. NSD 21:35 UTC: The “rain-band” that was on top of us is less clearly defined. The overall center of the general circulation still seems to be centered off the coast of Florida from Fort Meyers. The circulation across the peninsula, over us, over the ocean east of Miami and south of us is toward the center. The circulation to the northwest of us outside 150 km is away from us. The National Hurricane Center put the center of what is now TD-8 at 25.5N 84.2W which is 290 km WNW of us. It looks to me from the radar that the center is about 170km WNW of us. JRL 22:56 UTC: A rain-band developed over a 20 to30 minute period in between the SMART_R and TOGA. It is aligned NNW or along a heading of 340 and is at least 200km long. 23:25 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-R to set up the NORTH_NEAR and SURV_NEAR scans. Strong convection was moving along the Keys towards TOGA. Maximum reflectivity. JKJ 00:11 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-R to set up the NORTH_FAR and SURV_FAR sweeps after switching the tapes out on TOGA. Strongest activity appears to be around 50 km to the northwest of TOGA, and also to the due west. Movement continues to be more towards the north at about 15kts. JKJ 01:36 UTC: New convective cells getting ready to move over the TOGA radar. Wind has picked up at the site to near 14m s-1 according to the radar. Also, strongest storm is getting ready to move right over the radar site itself. Storm was moving towards the Northwest at about 15kts with lightning observed over the site. I couldn’t get ahold of SMART-R to see about changing scans. JKJ 02:22 UTC: Storms have moved to the north of the radar. There is new convection developing to the northwest of the old convection. It appears that this is part of a convective band into the tropical depression. JKJ 04:20 UTC: Most of the strong convective activity has dissipated leaving behind only scattered areas of stratiform precip. Strongest returns were outside of 100km range from the radar. JKJ 05:30 UTC: New convection starting to develop off to the west of the Keys at about 100 km, but is moving north. JKJ 06:30 UTC: No change. JKJ 08:30 UTC: New convection is firing to the W and NW of the radar. Most of the activity is moving north. JKJ 10:00 UTC: More convection developing now to the southeast of TOGA. Strongest storms however were still to the NW at about 150 – 200 km. Movement of all the storms was to the northwest. Looks like bands are starting to form with the circulation well off to the NW. JKJ 10:50 UTC: Coordinated with SMART-R to run a FULL_FAR scan and a SURV_FAR sweep to catch the new activity developing to the southeast of the Keys. JKJ 12:05 UTC: The convective activity continues to the southeast. To the northwest and west, beyond 150 km, bands of convection are present moving to the north and northwest. To the northeast, convective activity is also present moving to the north. DRJ 13:07 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report. NSD 14:25 UTC: There is nothing to report except the development of a new rain band about 100km Southeast of the radar and tracking directly North. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. Other than that, conditions remain the same. On another note, coordination with SMART_R has stopped due to the wish of the Texas A&M staff. They will be leaving the area to try and arrive at the speculated location of the current tropical depression (#8). They predict it to turn into a hurricane and land somewhere near the Tallahassee area. NSD 15:37 UTC: There are two main precipitation areas. To the west and northwest, a large region of stratiform rain with embedded convection is present. The convective elements are moving to the north, but the stratiform region seems to be drifting to the east. To the east of the radar, a large area of precipitation is present. The side closest to the radar has two main convective bands, one oriented north- south, while the other is oriented east-west. To the east of the bands is a large area of stratiform rain. This area of precipitation is moving towards the north. DRJ 18:29 UTC: Stopped scanning temporarily to perform Solar-cal and Zauto. NSD 19:05 UTC: Did Solar-cal, and Zauto, numbers have been recorded in Maint. Log book. Now there are very large cells to the Northeast of the radar. From right on top of us all the way out to 150km away. There is also a very large cell directly West of the radar about 150 to 300km away. This is the cell that the SMART_R is hoping to catch in Tallahassee. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 55dBz range. All storms are tracking North by Northwest. NSD 20:27 UTC: The two very large cells are now coming together. One is right over the Florida Peninsula and the other over the Gulf of Mexico. They are both about 150 to 300km away from the radar. There are also three large rain bands forming, one is 150km Southwest of the radar, and the other two are 100 to 200km away. One is directly South of the radar, over Cuba, and the other is directly East of the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 55dBz range and all storms are tracking North by Northwest. NSD 21:27 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. It seems that some RAW data has been lost. I discovered that the FULL_NEAR scan had been inadvertently taken out of the Product Scheduler in IRIS. As a result both tapes have a block of missing FULL_NEAR scans. Times of the missing scans are from 19:37:37 UTC to 20:50:00 UTC. I have remedied the situation and have been successful in recovering the remaining FULL_NEAR scans that were left in the ingest files. Now all RAW data is once again going to both Exabyte Tapes. NSD 09-12-2001 01:12 UTC The bow echo to the west of us is moving towards and is spreading out. It no longer is a sharply defined line with peak reflectivity values in the low 50dBZ range instead of the higher 50dBZ’s that we saw earlier. I am scheduling, as many rhi’s as possible to target the high reflectivity cores of the echo. LNG 02:00 UTC The echo has passed us now and is continuing to move to the northwest. We have had a light rain here at TOGA. LNG 02:17 UTC We saw an interesting band of 56dBZ rain between 11 and 23 degrees azimuth, at a range of about 35km. LNG 03:00 UTC Echo is moving northwest still and is about 50-60 km away. LNG 03:20 UTC Echo has ceased to be a line and has turned into broad stratiform rain in the upper 20dBZ level. There are not that many high reflectivity cores left so I am not going to do any more rhi’s unless some more occur. LNG 03:47 UTC There appears to be two rain bands forming. One is to the east at a range of about 100-200km at an azimuth of 80-90 degrees. The second one is at a range of 120km with an azimuthal angle of 340-30 degrees. There is also another bow echo forming to the west of us at a range of 160-180km. When it gets closer, we’ll start doing rhi’s on it. LNG 05:00 UTC All of the rain patterns mentioned above are still there, but moving slightly north. They are still to far out of range to do rhi’s, and seem to be slowly weakening. LNG 07:20 UTC Part of the rain to the west of us is moving towards us, while the rest continues to off to the north. LNG 08:00 UTC Two small cells are developing out of the SSE and heading towards us. LNG 08:40 UTC It’s raining here at TOGA with alternating periods of heavy and light rain. The second cell coming out of the SSE is growing bigger and strengthening with peak reflectivity values of 54 dBZ. LNG 10:07 UTC Another bow echo appears to be forming to the west of us at approximately 140-170km range. This one is just about in the same place as the one earlier tonight. 12:35 UTC: The large tropical depression is still directly West of the radar only, it has moved to within 50km of here. Also there is a large cell directly North of the radar. This one is also within 50km of us too. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 53dBz range. The whole mass is tracking Northeast, so I believe that it will pass directly over us sometime today. NSD 13:35 UTC: The large cell has moved to within 25km of the radar now, other than that, all conditions remain the same. No other significant changes to report at this time. NSD 14:45 UTC: One narrow band of precipitation located 50 km west of the radar with reflectivity values of around 30 dBz is moving to the NNE. More significant convective activity is primarily situated greater than 50 km NNW of the radar and is moving almost due north. DSS 15:43 UTC: There is a very long rain band forming now stretching from Cuba to Florida right over Key West. It is less than 50km from the radar with reflectivity values in the 18 to 55dBz range. The whole mass is still tracking Northeast. There are also three small cells just South of Miami tracking Northeast, with the same reflectivity values. NSD 16:43 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report at this time. NSD 17:48 UTC: The tropical storm (Gabriel) has now drifted slightly more North now. The rain band is dissipating and is no longer on top of Key West. Other than that, all conditions remain the same. NSD 18:55 UTC: Now a new strong rain band has formed right over Key West, about 30km away from the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 55dBz range. Gabriel is sitting in the same spot, just West of the Keys, but, it is creeping North very slowly. The whole mass and the scattered cells accompanying it are still tracking Northeast. They track Northeast until they reach Florida then they turn back in on themselves and track in the opposite direction. NSD 19:58 UTC: The new rain band has finally moved directly North of the radar. Also, the whole mass including the scattered cells, is constantly moving Northeast in the manner described previously. Reflectivity values remain the same, as does the track. NSD 21:41 UTC: Now there is a new rain band forming right on top of the radar, one part extends right over us and the other part is about 10 to 25km away to the East. Reflectivity values remain the same, and again, the whole mass continues to track North. NSD 22:37 UTC: The rain band that just passed over head is now about40km North of the radar. This is the only significant change since the last entry. All conditions remain the same. NSD 23:37 UTC: New storms rapidly developing to the south and immediate northeast of the radar. Storms are rapidly moving northward towards the radar. Other storms and rainbands are located northwest of the radar and continue to move north northeastward. Heavy attenuation occurring northwest of the radar as beam is shooting through intense convective line. JKJ 00:20 UTC: Convective line right over the radar. Frequent LTG overhead with severe attenuation of reflectivity probably around 10-15 dB. Storms are moving due north. Several RHI’s were run through the line as it was crossing the radar. Tops were only around 6-8 km with max reflectivity values around 50 dBz. JKJ 01:25 UTC: Heaviest activity has now moved north of the radar. Rainband was present over 100 km west of the radar and other convective activity stretched from north around to the east of the radar. Light rain was falling over the radar site. JKJ 02:38 UTC: Rainband continues to march towards the east while the cells in the band continue to move north. Strong reflectivity values are located in much of the northwest quarter of the radar and parts of the northeast quadrant. However, the strongest values were outside of 150 km. JKJ 03:45 UTC: Light rainband is developing to the west of TOGA. This band is only about 20 dBz in strength and is moving east at about 15 knots. Strongest convection continues to be in the northwest quadrant of the radar outside of 100km. Reflectivity values are near 50 dBz in the strongest part. JKJ 05:00 UTC: New rainband (40-50 dBz) is developing to the west of the radar around 100km out. There is a weaker rainband (20-30 dBz) forming closer to the radar around 50 km. Looks like Gabrielle is moving more towards the east now, and the rainbands are not developing as far south as they were earlier. JKJ 07:30 UTC: Most convective activity to the northwest of the radar over 200km has dissipated. However, new convective band was forming to the south and west of the radar. Strongest reflectivity values were around 45 – 50 dBz with movement towards the north while the whole line slid east. Another convective cell was developing due south of the radar that should move over us. JKJ 08:30 UTC: Storm has moved right over the radar and is now about 25 km to the north. Rainband has started to slide to the north of the Keys, but a new cell is developing on the southwestern end of the line. Maximum reflectivity values still remain between 45 – 50 dBz, with some lightning seen outside the window. JKJ 10:00 UTC: A storm developed about 50km southwest of TOGA and moved right over the site. Frequent lightning observed, with some strikes closer than one mile. Velocity fields shows near 50 MPH near the surface with some higher gusts. Reflectivity values on storm near radar are up to 50 dBz, with new storms to the southeast of the radar up to 55dBz. 67 MPH (~30kts, after unfolding) was detected at about 50 km away from the radar at the lowest elevation tilt (probably about 2-3,000 ft aloft), and reflectivity shape looks like that of a developing bow echo. JKJ 11:18 UTC There are now three distinctive rain bands passing over us. One is about 50km East of the radar. The next one is right over the radar, and the third is about100km to the west of us. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 55dBz range, and the winds have been clocked at 70mph. All storms are tracking Southwest to Northeast. NSD 12:30 UTC The rain band that is right over the radar is now breaking up, but, the one behind it is still intact and heading our way. The winds haven’t died down yet. Other than that, all conditions remain the same. NSD 13:45 UTC Rain bands associated with Gabrielle continue to develop and propagate through the area. They are orientated NE-SW. Generally, there are 3 bands at a time within the viewing area. Strong SW winds are also present, 25-35kts with higher gusts of 40-50kts. Gabrielle is presently moving toward shore. PAK 14:47 UTC: Conditions remain the same, the only change is that the second rain band has passed over us and the third one is now about 75km away from the radar. Reflectivity values, winds, and track remain the same. NSD 16:26 UTC: The last rain band is just about over the radar now. It’s about 20km away. The winds are still the same, but, the track seems to have shifted more to a Northeasterly flow. The two previous rain bands have broken up, and are now between 20 to 200km to the Northeast. Reflectivity values are still in the 18 to 50dBz range. NSD 17:57 UTC: The rain over the radar now is from the bottom portion of the third rain band, there is a fourth one forming about 100km away, but, it seems that the cells have taken on a more northerly track as opposed to the easterly track earlier mentioned. It seems that he winds have changed directions again. Now the track is Northeast. If this holds up, then the next rain band may not hit us. Reflectivity values remain the same, although the majority of the system is breaking up. NSD 19:08 UTC: Now, for the most part, the storm has dissipated. There is still one large rain band that I mentioned earlier that is still 100km away from the radar. It seems to be tracking Northeast and will not even come close to us. The reflectivity values for that rain band are in the 18 to 50dBz range. The winds are still flowing Northeast. NSD 20:14 UTC: Now pretty much everything has dissipated, there are scattered cells all around the radar from 50 to 300km in any direction. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. The track of everything out there is still Northeast. NSD 21:11 UTC: Have switched to the FULL_FAR scan. Everything has dissipated now and there are just a lot of scattered cells in every direction, from 10 to300km away. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 37dBz range. The winds continue in a northeasterly direction. NSD 22:15 UTC: There is a new rain band forming 20km North of the radar that stretches all the way to Miami and beyond. It will miss us completely. Also there are scattered cells in every direction. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 37dBz range. The winds are still tracking Northeast. NSD 00:05 UTC: Most of the rain band activity is now south of the Keys. Most of the storms are at or below 40 dBz and are tracking mainly to the east-northeast. There was a brief shower that passed over TOGA, but has since dissipated. JKJ 02:00 UTC: Convective band organizing south of the Keys and moving northeast. Some of the stronger storms have reflectivity values near 50 dBz at times, but the average is between 40-45 dBz. The line is about 25km southeast of the Keys. JKJ 03:30 UTC: New line of storms forming to the north of the Keys. Band to the south is still present, and the new line is forming about 25 km north of the old line. Reflectivity values in the new line are still pretty low (only around 30 dBz) but are increasing. All of the storms are moving towards the east-northeast at about 15kts. JKJ 05:00 UTC: Line of storms to the north of the Keys has pretty much dissipated to a few light showers. Other line still south of the keys and is pretty persistent. JKJ 07:00 UTC: Hints of storms well to the north of the radar (over 250 km away) on the west coast of Florida. These storms were moving southeast. Convective line was still south of us, but was starting to break up into individual cells. JKJ 09:00 UTC: Storms are still moving south and are at 250 km away. Reflectivity values are up to near 45 dBz in some cases. Band to the south has pretty much broken up with some storms located south of the Keys and others southeast. These were moving more towards the east-northeast. JKJ 10:00 UTC: Things are pretty much the same. Still have both areas of storms, with some new development trying to take place between 100 – 200 km north of the radar. New activity is very isolated and below 40 dBz right now. Have fun with the rest of the project, and I’ll hopefully see y’all at the next one! JKJ 12:00 UTC: The storm that is located north northwest at 200 - 270 km is moving east out of Tampa-St. Pete area. Highest reflectivity values have decreased to 37 – 39 dBz. The band of isolated cells moving from the southwest to the northeast have mostly dissipated to the east and south east of the Keys. A small area southwest at 220 km has a value as high as 44 – 50 dBz. 13:00 UTC: The storm that moved east out of Tampa-St. Pete area has mostly dissipated. Only a few isolated cells to the south and southwest at 200-250 km. 15:00 UTC: A small cell has developed at 70 km south – it may not come closer – moving toward northeast. A larger, low intensity cell 200 km southwest seems to be diminishing in size and strength. 17:40 UTC: New line of cells, extending from southwest to northeast, developing. Closest cell is about 20km northwest. The line appears to be moving east, so some cells may pass over the radar. 18:30 UTC: The new line of cells referred to at 17:40 UTC have dissipated for the most part. A few small cells near Key West still exist. 20:00 UTC: No rain is seen out to 80 km in all directions except for one small cell east at about 50 km and larger convective cells south between 100 and 200 km. Some high cirrus and medium high cumulus clouds in the local area. 09-16-2001 11:00 UTC No rain anywhere to be seen. 12:38 UTC: I think that it is pretty amazing that there is absolutely no weather what so ever! It is like the weather has just disappeared. So, needless to say, conditions remain the same. NSD 13:17 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report at this time. NSD 16:14 UTC: Conditions remain the same. NSD 17:17 UTC: Now there are some small-scattered cells forming over Cuba, not much else to mention other than that. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 52dBz range winds are flowing Northeast. NSD 18:18 UTC: Conditions remain the same, the small cells over Cuba are sitting in the exact same position as they were in the last entry. There are a few scattered cells about 50 to 150km away from the radar, but hardly any reflectivity to speak of. NSD 19:17 UTC: There are more scattered cells forming over Cuba, but nothing is moving right now. There is nothing to speak of in our area. Conditions remain the same. NSD 20:08 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report at this time. NSD 21:14 UTC: The cells over Cuba have converged into a rain band now and are slowly moving Northeast Reflectivity values are in the18 to 55dBz range, although it is still a considerable distance from the radar. No other activity in our area. NSD 22:24 UTC: The rain band over Cuba is breaking up now and starting to move Northeast. It is still too far away from our area to be of any use to us. Reflectivity values remain the same, as does the track. NSD 23:27 UTC: The large cell is now moving northeast and looks to be breaking up. Reflectivity has dropped down to the 18 to 37dBz range, and it is still 200km away from the radar. There is no other activity to report at this time. NSD 9-17-01 02:30 UTC: Cells that developed off Cuba coast have continued to decrease in size and intensity. Some small showers remain to the SW and the SE beyond 200-km. No other activity to report at this time. MRC 03:49 UTC: 2 Cells merged to the SE off the N. coast of Cuba (approx. 140, 220 km) and have formed a fairly large cell. In addition, 2 small cells in the vicinity of 170, 140 km and 215, 160 km have developed, all moving slowly north. Quick check outside reveals no clouds/wind with stars ALQDS – and occasional lightning flashes to far SE. MRC 05:15 UTC: A Cell has developed to the SSW (approx. 185-195, 140 km) with a max. dBz of 45 @ 0.8 Elev. A few small cells have developed between 170-190, 125 km. These cells are moving to the NW. Check outside shows partly cloudy conditions with a NE breeze. Occasional flashes of lightning still seen to SE. MRC 05:42 UTC: A convective cell is developing between 110-120 at 25-30 km ~ 35 dBZ. Some northward motion indicated. MRC 07:04 UTC: The convection that fired nearby to the ESE died a rather quick death. At its peak it had a 45-50dBz core and was about 4-5 km high. The convection to the south has also diminished except for a new cell around 195 @ 125 km moving north. 09:11 UTC: Radar shows scattered weak (<37 dBZ) echoes from 120 - 180 at 120 – 160 km. Movement is to the NW with most cells decaying as they move. MRC 11:38 UTC: At this time there is no significant activity. There are two very small cells about 125km directly south of the radar. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 37dBz range. They are not moving in any direction at this time. NSD 12:38 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report at this time. NSD 13:29 UTC: No significant changes to report at this time. We are shutting down for generator maintenance. NSD 9-19-01 11:45 UTC: We have not been able to operate due to serious oscillations in our generator motor. If we were to take data when this occurs, the data may be un-usable. We are still trying to resolve this problem at this time. Unfortunately, there is a very large cell that is right on top of us, stretching directly east for about 150km. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 53dBz range. As of right now, we are recording this data, however flawed it may be. The whole mass of the storm is tracking southeast. NSD 12:45 UTC: The oscillations are still occurring, but we are taking data. Right now the storm is moving southeast, the rain band remains the same but the stratiform region behind it is slowly dissipating. Reflectivity values remain the same. It is still within 150km away from the radar. NSD 14:00 UTC: The oscillations are still occurring, but the radar is still operating. To the southeast, a cluster of cells is present with stratiform rain extending to the east. There are also two small bands of high reflectivity towards the northeast. These bands are developing and are fairly close to each other. DRJ 14:15 UTC: Coordination begins with SMART-R running a FULL_FAR task. DRJ 15:00 UTC: To the southeast, a large cluster of convective cells and stratiform rain continue to move towards the south and southeast. To the northeast, the two rain bands have merged and formed a larger cluster composed of mainly convective elements. The aircraft are planning to take off at 1600 and fly this region. Coordination with SMART-R continues at this time. DRJ 16:20 UTC: The cluster of cells to the northeast is beginning to dissipate and the northern portion is becoming more stratiform in appearance. The southern portion is extending to the south and interacting with the larger cluster of storms to the southeast. In addition, a line a convective cells in forming over the southern peninsula. DRJ 17:00 UTC: At this time, a large precipitation area exists to the east of the radar. The western half has mainly convective elements with stratiform rain extending to the east and southeast. The convection developing over the peninsula is short-lived at this point, but new cells continue to develop. Coordination with SMART-R is still taking place. The aircraft may also be close to the area (they should have taken off at 1600). DRJ 18:00 UTC: An outflow boundary from the convection to the east has initiated a line of cells to the north. Due to the proximity of the cells, TOGA has changed to a FULL_NEAR task to capture echo top. The precipitation regions in surrounding areas from previous times are still present and continue to evolve. There is no word on the status of the aircraft. DRJ 19:00 UTC: There are three main areas of precipitation. To the southeast, a large dissipating stratiform rain region is present. There are convective cells just to the north of the Keys, with stratiform rain over the eastern Keys. The last area is over the southern tip of the Florida peninsula characterized by groups of convective cells. DRJ 20:06 UTC: The three main areas of precipitation are breaking up around the radar. There are other systems forming over Cuba, and around the Fort Meyer’s area. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 53dBz range. Most of the convection is at least 100 to 150km away from the radar in any direction. The winds are mostly to the southeast. NSD 21:00 UTC: Two FBI agents (Patricia Thompson and ?) arrived at TOGA to investigate Eyal Amitai and Marco Marcovina due to their suspicious presence of at the XPOL site today. 21:45 UTC: Convective clusters 200km north, in the zone of Fort Meyers with 18-45 dBZ. Convective clusters extinguishing within 100km NNE from the radar. NW wind direction. Large scale convection over Cuba. MM 9-20-01 11:51 UTC: TOGA is still experiencing generator oscillations. We are trying everything that we can to keep the system up and running. Although as of right now there is no weather what so ever to speak of. Generator problems forced us to shut down last night. The system is up and running this morning, but, if the oscillations become too bad we will be forced to shut down again. Fortunately there is no weather. NSD 12:55 UTC: Conditions remain the same. No new significant weather to report at this time. DRJ 14:05 UTC: Convective clusters at 150km northwest, reflectivity from 18dBz up to 50dBz. Those clusters are moving north. Other clusters at 150km southwest, moving southwest. Reflectivity from 18dBz up to 30dBz. Small convective clusters coming up at 150km south, reflectivity up to 53dBz. MM 15:08 UTC: Conditions remain the same. MM 16:21 UTC: Conditions remain the same. Nothing significant to report at this time. We have just added a new mixture of detergent and diesel fuel to the generator in the hope that this will clean out the injectors, and maybe stop the oscillations. NSD 17:20 UTC: No new significant weather to report. The cluster of cells still remains to the southwest of Fort Meyers. It is nearly stationary with a slow drift to the southwest. DRJ 18:20 UTC: The cluster of cells to the northwest is beginning to dissipate. There are still a few strong cells, but the overall size of the precipitation area is decreasing. DRJ 19:15 UTC: The convection to the northwest has nearly dissipated completely. All that remains are a few scattered cells drifting towards the southwest. A few isolated cells have developed over Cuba. Elsewhere, things are fairly calm. DRJ 20:57 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report. NSD 22:14 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report. NSD 23:12 UTC: An isolated cell over the southwestern tip of Florida has developed and is remaining stationary. It is located at about 90 km away from the radar site. Some isolated cells continue to move to the southwest over Cuba and are diminishing in intensity. CWS 9-21-01 01:07 UTC: The cells over southwestern Florida have almost completely dissipated. There are also some light rain areas to the west about 120 km. Other than that things are fairly quiet. CWS 02:07 UTC: The cells over southwestern Florida have maintained some intensity and continue to propagate to the southwest. One cell is about 110 km to the north of the radar site. The other cell is 150 km to the north/northeast of the radar site. Things remain calm in the rest of the region with a few areas of scattered light rain but nothing significant. CWS 03:00 UTC: There are 4 small cells that have popped up around 200 km due north of the radar site and are barely moving to the west/southwest. One cell continues to head southwestward at around 150 km north of radar site. Another small cell has intensified somewhat and is heading due west at 110 km north of the site. Otherwise things are still inactive in the region. CWS 03:33 UTC: Due to the generators fluctuations we stopped the full_far scan to try and reduce the heat produced by the high prf required of that scan. We are trying to diagnose if the air conditioner compressor is playing a role in this fluctuation. The only scan we are doing is the surv_far which lasts 44 seconds and this scan is being conducted every 10 minutes. There isn’t any major active weather in the area so it is not necessary to carry on the full_far scan at this time until we can figure out if the compressor has a role in the generator situation. CWS 04:00 UTC: It appears that the generator only fluctuates when the compressor turns off or on. To conserve heat we have shut the door on the inside to keep it as cool as possible so that the compressor doesn’t cycle as much. We are still running the surv_far scan every 10 minutes. It appears that there is one cell 200 km north of the site which has diminished in intensity. Another cell at 150 km has also diminished in intensity and is located north of the site. Both cells above are moving to the west somewhat and have decreased in aerial coverage. Another rain shaft is located about 115 km north of the site and is moving to the northwest. Other than the above cells all is quiet in the area. CWS 05:00 UTC: There is a small area of rain 125 km north of site. The full_far scan has been put back into the schedule. Other than that conditions are still very quiet. CWS 06:00 UTC: 3 convective cells have formed 80-100km north/northwest of site and are oriented in a northeast to southwest fashion. The line is moving to the northwest but the individual cells are moving to the southwest. 2 of the cells seem to be merging and possibly heading for the southernmost cell. Rest of the region is quiet. CWS 07:00 UTC: 2 cells have merged and are dissipating. 3rd cell is showing signs of weakening. All are 100 km to northwest of site moving to the northwest. Rest of region is quiet. CWS 08:00 UTC: Cells earlier have completely dissipated. Area is rain free. CWS 09:00 UTC: Conditions are the same as above. CWS 10:00 UTC: Conditions are the same as above. CWS 11:07 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report. NSD 12:10 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report. NSD 14:01 UTC: Conditions remain the same, clear air all around. NSD 15:17 UTC: Conditions remain the same, there is no weather to speak of. NSD 17:10 UTC: There is one cell forming over Cuba. No other significant changes to report at this time. NSD 18:20 UTC: The cell over Cuba is getting larger, but it has not moved from it’s original spot. There are also small cells forming about 100 to 175km away from the radar to the northwest and the southwest. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 21dBz range. There are no winds to speak of, and no other significant changes to report at this time. NSD 19:25 UTC: A small cell has developed just off the SE coast of Key West at 250/40km from TOGA. It is showing slow NW movement. MRC 19:38 UTC: TOGA shutdown for generator maintenance. 21:08 UTC: System brought back up. NSD 21:26 UTC: Cell over Key West has dissipated. A few cells have developed over and just S. of the Everglades and are moving WSW. The lead cell is approx. 045/50km. MRC 22:20 UTC: The cells moving WSW are dissipating between 50 to 100km northeast of the radar. The rest of the convection, all around the radar within 50 to 100km is also dissipating as it moves southwest towards Cuba. Reflectivity values are down to the 2 to 18dBz range. The winds are flowing south by southwest. NSD 23:14 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. NSD 9-22-01 00:19 UTC: Convective clusters in north direction from 50km to 300km range. In those clusters reflectivity is from 18 to 50dBz. Other clouds above 18dBz within 100km all around the Key Islands. Wind direction east to west. MM 01:45 UTC: Conditions remain the same as before. Convective clouds about 100km north, reflectivity up to 50dBz, wind direction east. MM 2:44 UTC: Storm cell in north direction. The exact location is: range 50 to 100km, azimuth 0 to 45 west. The reflectivity goes from 20 to 40dBz. The reflectivity of the cell is reducing. Other clouds located all around the radar at different ranges with reflectivity below 20dBz. Wind direction east. MM 3:42 UTC: Storm cells situated at north (range about 50km) are fading: they are getting smaller and the reflectivity is reducing (max about 40dBz). MM 4:51 UTC: Same conditions as before. MM 5:47 UTC: Clouds located at a range from 50 to 110km, direction northwest. Reflectivity goes from 12 to 40dBz. MM 6:31 UTC: Same as before, clouds are still moving northwest, now the range is 75 to 130km. MM 7:38 UTC: Clouds described before are getting smaller and the reflectivity is getting lower. Nothing significant. MM 8:40 UTC: small cell at south-southeast, range over 150km. The reflectivity is about 20-30dBz. MM 9:41 UTC: nothing to report: the sky is almost totally clear. MM 10:31 UTC: still nothing to report: the sky is almost clear. Small clouds all around the radar at range below 50km. Reflectivity 15dBz. MM 11:32 UTC: A nice line of TCU stretches SW-NE over the Keys. Movement seems to be slowly to the SW. 3 small echoes (35- 40 dBz @ 0.5 EL) are detected over the keys. One is 265/25km, one is 100/20km and one is just west (~2km) of TOGA. Very light rain has been falling at TOGA for the past 5 minutes. Wind is light from the NE. MRC 12:35 UTC: The echo that was just west of TOGA has dissipated. However, the other echoes have seemed to align themselves into two small SW-NE oriented bands. The first is located from 170 to 100/20-30km and has three cells of ~ 40-45dBz @ 0.5 EL. The 2nd is ~250-260/30-55km and has 3 cells of ~35-40dBz. Movement is to the SW. MRC 13:32 UTC: Convection has now moved off to the west and south of the Keys. The line that was at ~250 has diminished somewhat. There is one cell located at 245/60km and another at 245/90km. Another cell has formed at 260/75km. The line just to the SE of the Keys has also broken up a bit. The most intense cell is ~45dBz at 190/15km with a couple of small flanking cells. Activity is moving SW. MRC 14:02 UTC: TOGA shutdown for generator maintenance. 14:45 UTC: TOGA is back up after working through a minor hiccup with the RCP. Most activity has died off. A small cell is located at 190/20km. No other significant activity seen. MRC 15:54 UTC: Activity continues to wane within 150km of TOGA. A couple of small cells have formed at 290/150km and a group of cells are located at 75-90/150-200 km. MRC 17:13 UTC: Scattered cells are located from 190-240/50km – 110km. Maximum dBz @ 0.8 EL is 48.5dBZ located at 230/73 km. All activity continues to move SW. MRC 17:40 UTC: TOGA shutdown due to power failure. 21:35 UTC: TOGA is back up after extended troubleshooting. When the radar was first brought back up – there was some serious arcing. Greg and Jim tried replacing the thyratron but it did not solve the problem. It was decided that the power fluctuation when the A/C cycles on is still the (main) cause of the transmitter problems. The transmitter power has been reduced, purposely, to 200 kilowatts. Neil came and changed the tapes once we brought the radar back up around 21:26. As far as the weather goes, there is a fairly large area of cells just off the south coast of FL ~035-045/55-75km. There are some scattered small cells beyond 100 km to the SE and SW. Movement was generally to the SW. MRC 22:45 UTC: The region of storms has advanced to the SW and developed to the north. The lead 2 cells are at 040/45km. Max dBz is 45 @ 0.5 EL. Storm cells stretch northward from these to form a N-S line approx. 010/60-120 km. Other scattered showers were located at about 240/110-150 km. MRC 23:45 UTC: Two scattered cells at north. The first one extends from 50 km to 150 km, the second one from 250km to 300km. The reflectivity goes from 12 to 40dBz. Other smaller cells located at 100 km SE and 250 east. The cells are moving toward west. MM 9-23-01 00:49 UTC: A scattered cell at NNE, range from 50km to 175km. The reflectivity is from 20 to 55 dBz. The cell is moving west. MM 1:38 UTC: Because of the wind, the scattered cluster mentioned before has moved west, the range is almost the same as before, but the direction is NE. The reflectivity is the same as before. MM 02:42 UTC: The shift toward west continues. But the form of the cells is changing because of vanishing of some cells and birth of others. We have big one cell at 150km northeast, with reflectivity up to 53dBz and another cell at 100 to 150km north with reflectivity up to 30 dBz. Dimension of those cells is about tens of kilometers. At SE (range 80 up to 120 km) there are many less cells (dimension of some kilometers) whit reflectivity up to 45dBz. Wind direction from east. A cell is forming in the region specified by: azimuth 10W to 80W, range 25km to 35km. The associated reflectivity is up to 37dBz. MM 3:37 UTC: The cells described below have moved to west and have considerably shrunk. The reflectivity is reduced. The sky view from the radar is getting clearer. MM 4:38 UTC: The cells continued shrinking. Now there is one cell left, at 220km NE, progressively extinguishing and moving toward west. MM 5:46 UTC: Sky almost clear around the radar. Two cells are arising about 80km NE. Their maximal reflectivity is about 50dBz. Small clouds over the Keys, reflectivity less than 20 dBz. MM 6:38 UTC: According to the wind direction, the cells described above have moved toward west. The sky is almost clear. MM 7:40 UTC: the sky remains almost clear. Small cells at ~90km NW, moving toward west and shrinking. MM 08:40 UTC: The radar display says that the burst pulse signal is missing. No clouds are detected and no signal is visible on the oscilloscope setting aside the noise. The radar is down. MM 8:42 UTC: the radar is on again. Sky almost clear. Very small and few clouds below 16 dBz. MM 9:31 UTC: The radar is down again, the error message displayed is the same as before. MM 9:36 UTC: The radar is on again. MM 9:49 UTC: many small clouds all around the radar at different ranges. Maximum reflectivity up to 35 dBz. Wind direction west. MM 10:33 UTC: The clouds described above have moved west. The major part of them are within a range of 100km, the diameter of the biggest is about 10km, the maximal reflectivity is 40dBz. They are quite sparse. There is light precipitation over the site. The wind direction is west. MM 10:51 UTC: the radar went off for the same reason as before. MM 12:35 UTC: TOGA is still down. Glance outside shows that scattered storms are still to the N, W, and S of the radar with a couple small cells also to the E. One large cell to the NNW approx. 15 km or so is putting out frequent CG and has a large rain foot. The activity seems to be moving to the WSW but also developing on the flanks of existing cells which makes overall movement hard to determine. MRC 13:05 UTC: TOGA is back up and scanning. 13:35 UTC: TOGA went down again. 14:34 UTC: TOGA is back up. Lester recalibrated the radar for a lower power output. We did a Zauto and updated the system settings. 2 thunderstorm cells are currently with 50 km of the radar. The 1st one is 350/15 km and the 2nd is at 25/15 km. Both have visible rain shafts and infrequent CG. Each are aligned E-W and are approx. 10 km in E-W extent. There are many scattered cells to the W beyond 50 km and one cell at 75/45-55 km. MRC 15:06 UTC: Paul called and requested that we start the NORTH_FAR scan at 5:00 minute intervals (it takes 3:43) to run. We are also still running SURV_FAR. The two cells to the north have merged into a cell complex at 330-360/10-20 km. Max dBZ ~45. Another 2 cells are heading SW on azimuth 70 at 35-45 km. Other cells are located SW of the Keys beyond 50 km. MRC 16:24 UTC: We are still running the sector scan. Earlier (~15:30 Z) we saw 2 funnel clouds/waterspouts from a line of TCU south of the keys. Activity within 50 km has dimished. Large echoes are present at 260/60-75 km and 285/110-140 km. No other significant activity is detected at this time. MRC 16:55 UTC: The area of large echoes has continued to move west away from the Keys and intensify. We are discontinuing NORTH_FAR and returning to FULL_FAR every 10 minutes by default. MRC 17:10 UTC: Transmitter tripped off. 17:56 UTC: Transmitter brought back up. There are now scattered cells directly west of the radar about 10 to 100km away. There are also scattered cells southwest about 25 to 50km away. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 53dBz range. All cells are tracking northwest. NSD 19:28 UTC: Have started coordinated scans with SMART_R and N_POL. We are running the NORTH_FAR and SURV_FAR. There is one storm about 50km directly west of the radar, which is the subject of the coordinated scans. There are also scattered cells in all directions anywhere from 50 to 300km away. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 53dBz range. All activity is tracking northwest. NSD 20:23 UTC: The storm that is directly east of us has turned into a rain band now, that is surrounding all the lower Keys. It is 10 to 50km away right now, and is moving northwest. Reflectivity values remain the same. NSD 21:23 UTC: The rain band is steadily reforming itself, the main part of it is about 25 to 75km to the northwest, and the latest addition to it is about 10km northwest of the radar. Reflectivity values are now in the 18 to 60dBz range! Everything is still tracking northwest. We are still doing coordinated scans with the other two radars. NSD 22:24 UTC: We stopped doing coordinated scans and returned to FULL_FAR. Activity around the Keys has been on the decrease. The remnant of the strong cell to our NW is now approx. 305/30 km – and its intensity has decreased markedly. Action over the Everglades and S. Florida has flared up. A group of cells was also located at 105-120/75- 95km. All activity was moving WNW. MRC 9-24-01 00:05 UTC: after changing the tapes, the radar got some problem starting again. Data from this moment on are missing. The error message is “#11 Missing burst pulse signal at RVP7/IFD”. MM 03:17 UTC: The radar is on. MM 03:32 UTC: Large scale convection at 180 km SW, reflectivity up to 50 dBz. One scatterd cell at 150 km, 15E, reflectivity up to34 dBz. At a shorter range: A scatterd cell at 40 km NNE. Smaller clouds over the Keys. MM 05:00 UTC: Few small changes . The cell at 15E is progressively disappearing, another bigger cell is present at 200 km SE, his reflectivity is up to 37 dBz. Small sparse clouds over the Keys. MM 06:00 UTC: Conditions remain the same. We have one big activity at about 220 SE: a bigger cell of 50 km of diameter (max reflectivity is 40 dBz) surrounded by oher cells up to ten km of diamter (one of those has maximal reflectivity up to 55 dBz). MM 07:07 UTC: The wind direction is NW, so the cell described at 05:00 UTC (220 km SE) has moved few kilometers toward the radar. For the rest, conditions are the same. MM 08:10 UTC: The big cell at 220SE is quickly getting smaller and the reflectivity is lowering. The diameter is about 20 Km, his mean reflectivity about 24 dBz, the activity of this cell is lowering. The surrounding cells described one hour ago have vanished. Scattered cells at 110 km SSW, with reflectivity up to 50 dBz. The diameter of these cells can be 10 km. Activity over the Keys: clusters of small sparse clouds all over the Keys with reflectivity about 20 dBz, two bigger cells at about 105W, 50 km, with diameter of many km. In those cell the mean reflectivity is about 20-25dBz and the maximal about 45-50 dBz. MM 09:10 UTC: Small scattered cells. The biggest cells are at 250 km SE and 125 SSW. The reflectivity is up to 35dBz. There are smaller clouds over the Keys. The activity is decreased if compared to one hour ago. MM 10:10 UTC: Scattered cells at SE, range 180 to 250km, reflectivity up to 37 dBz. MM 11:23 UTC: Conditions remain the same, there is scattered convection in every direction, but nothing significant to report at this time. NSD 12:55 UTC: There is a rain band consisting of convective cells to the east at ranges beyond 160km. To the northwest, isolated convective showers are present. These echoes are moving towards the north. In addition, there are a few small cells beginning to develop to the south at 15km. DRJ 14:14 UTC: The rain band to the east is dissipating with a few cells remaining. Isolated convective cells are still present to the northwest, moving towards the north. The convective showers that developed to the south at 15km range have dissipated. There is a new cell developing to the northeast at 12km range. DRJ 15:18 UTC: The only significant change is the cell that developed to the northeast at 12km range has dissipated. Otherwise, isolated convective showers to the northwest continue to move towards the north. DRJ 17:20 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. NSD 18:17 UTC: There is a small rain band forming over the southern coast of Cuba, other than that there are no significant changes to report. NSD 19:47 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. NSD 21:02 UTC: There is a small cell forming 125km southeast of the radar, unfortunately this is the only significant activity all day. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 50dBz range. The cell is tracking north. NSD 22:27 UTC: There is a large rain band forming on the northern coast of Cuba, and it is tracking north. There is no other significant activity in our area. Reflectivity values of the rain band are in the 18 to 60dBz range. NSD 23:40 UTC: Large scale convection over Cuba northern coast, still tracking north. The reflectivity of this system reaches 55dBz. A sparse system of clouds is present over the Keys and up to 50km north. The reflectivity of this system is up to 35 dBz. Other clusters of clouds at different ranges and azimuth, the biggest is at 150km NNE, with reflectivity up to 50 dBz. MM 9-25-01 00:50 UTC: Large scale convection over the northern part of Cuba. The dimension of this cell is about 100km. The reflectivity is up to 60 dBz. Other cells all over the east- coast of Florida, with reflectivity up to 50 dBz. Over the Keys a sparse system of scattered cells, with reflectivity up to 20 dBz. MM 01:40 UTC: The large-scale cell over Cuba northern coast is getting bigger. Now the dimension is about 200km. The clouds at north of the radar described above (00:50 UTC) didn’t change but shifted toward north. MM 02:40 UTC: The overall situation is still as described at 01:00 UTC and 00:50 UTC, but the cells have moved about 40 km north. Especially the large scale over Cuba is getting bigger and his intensity is growing (now up to 60 dBz). MM 03:40 UTC: The big cell over Cuba is still tracking north, the situation didn’t change with respect to 2:40 UTC. 04:40 UTC: The big cell previously described over Cuba is still tracking north. Now it is over the sea in front of the coast, but it is getting quickly smaller and with lower reflectivity. MM 05:00 UTC: The process of shrinking of the cell over the northern coast of Cuba is quickly going on: the dimensions of the cell are now about half of what they were at 3:40 UTC. The reflectivity is now much reduced (Although the maximal reflectivity is not changed much, it is clear at first sight that the mean and mode of the reflectivity are much less than before). MM 05:40 UTC: The cell over Cuba has definitively become little. Now the most relevant activity is about 120 km SW: large scale scattered cells with reflectivity up to 55dBz. MM 06:40 UTC: The large scale cells situated at 100 km SW up to 200km SW are tracking north. The maximal reflectivity remains high (about 55 dBz). Activity also at 200 km in the 80-10 west. Smaller activity over the Keys. MM 07:40 UTC: The cells at SW are getting smaller. Also the reflectivity is now lower: now the maximum is about 44 dBz. Fort the rest, al the activity has moved NNE. MM 08:40 UTC: The activity has been fading fast in the past hour. Now what remains are small cells (no more large scale cells, but max say 15 km of diameter), one situated 200 km SW (maximal reflectivity about 30-35 dBz) and other situated at north at different angles and ranges. The wind direction is NE. MM 9:40 UTC: The activity continued moving NE. Especially if compared to some hours ago, the sky is almost clear around the radar. Small activity over the Keys: a cluster of small, sparse clouds with reflectivity up to 20 dBz. MM 10:40 UTC: Cells are moving toward NE. The activity remains very small. Nothing to report. MM 11:27 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. NSD 13:00 UTC: The only echoes present are isolated convective cells to the east at ranges farther than 200km. DRJ 14:00 UTC: Conditions remain the same with no significant changes to report at this time. DRJ 15:03 UTC: The only significant change is the development of a few weak showers to the northwest at 100 and 150km range. These echoes are moving towards the northeast. DRJ 16:11 UTC: The isolated convective cells to the east at ranges beyond 200km have dissipated. A couple of weaker showers have developed to the east at 140km range. These echoes are moving towards the northeast. In addition, a few isolated cells are located over the Florida peninsula. DRJ 18:02 UTC: We have updated the radar power-out again, and are now running only one dB down from normal. Lester has recalculated and we have updated the system settings. Unfortunately, there is no notable weather in our area at this time. There are some small convective cells over Florida and over Cuba, but nothing worth mentioning. NSD 19:28 UTC: Convective cells over Cuba are beginning to form line segments. Also, developing convective cells near Miami are beginning to form a small cluster. One of the cells has reflectivity above 60 dBZ. DRJ 21:00 UTC: There is a large rain band forming off the northern coast of Cuba now. It is still about 175 to 200km south of the radar, but it is tracking north. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 60dBz range. Maybe it won’t dissipate before it gets to us. There is no other significant activity to report at this time. NSD 22:00 UTC: Conditions remain the same, the rain band that was forming over Cuba is now stalling and breaking up. No other significant activity to report at this time. NSD 9-26-01 02:00 UTC: Several scattered cells, nothing new to report. MRW 04:38 UTC: Ran antenna into stops doing an RHI on a strong cell to the SE. Corrected problem, system back up at 4:49 am. MRW 06:00 UTC: Nothing to Report. MRW 09:00 UTC: Things have pretty much cleared up locally. Everything seems to have moved Northwest. There is one system that is directly West. GWF 11:00 UTC: There are scattered cells in all directions. Most of the activity is to the west of the radar about 200km away. There is a small rain band forming about 100km north of here. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 55dBz range. All activity is tracking to the north. NSD 12:00 UTC: Conditions remain the same, nothing significant to report at this time. NSD 13:17 UTC: There are large convective cells off to the northwest about 175 to 300km from the radar, but they are moving away from us. There are also two small cells right off the southern coast of Florida, (Whitewater Bay area), they are also moving away from us to the north. Reflectivity values are still in the 18 to 55dBz range. There is no other significant activity in our area at this time. NSD 14:42 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant changes to report at this time. NSD 16:06 UTC: There is a fairly long rain band (100km in length) to the northwest at 200km range. This line is composed of convective cells moving to the north-northeast. Trailing this line is a broad region of stratiform precipitation. Ahead of this precipitation feature, isolated convective cells are developing at 100-150km range and moving towards the north. DRJ 17:57 UTC: There is now a large system developing to the northwest. It seems to be prime for dual-doppler scanning. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 60dBz range. The whole system is tracking east-northeast. NSD 18:57 UTC: The large system is now coming into our range and we are waiting for SMART_R to come up. The same conditions persist, and reflectivity values remain the same. The storm is now only 175km to the northwest of the radar and tracking east. NSD 19:57: UTC: Conditions remain the same, the large storm to the northeast is creeping eastward ever so slowly. Reflectivity values remain the same, as does the track. NSD 21:32 UTC: The large precipitation region has continued to move eastward and is now in the northern dual-Doppler lobe. Its stratiform region has dissipated a little, but the convective cells remain strong and continue to develop. Coordination with SMART-R has begun with a NORTH_NEAR task due to intense cells developing to the northwest at 10km range. In addition, a line of convection has formed over Cuba and is moving to the north. DRJ 22:47 UTC: A large rain band has formed about 50km northwest of the radar, and it is right in the perfect spot for dual- doppler. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 60dBz range. The whole storm is tracking east, headed directly for us. There is also a large rain band coming north from Cuba. The reflectivity values are the same, but it is tracking north. NSD 22:50 UTC: NPOL is back up. MIB 23:34 UTC: Band of convection to the northwest continues to propagate slowly towards the east. Reflectivity in the upper 50s for most cells. There is good mid-level rotation in several of the cells. But there is little low-level rotation. Believe that we are coordinating fairly well with SMART-radar and now NPOL. Also should have some coordinated RHIs between NPOL and XPOW. MIB 9-27-01 00:00 UTC: Tape changed. The cells are weakening significantly in the band that is still to the northwest. The central and southern part of the band is dissipating. The northern part still appears to be very active, as is a group of cells to the northeast. MIB 00:15 UTC: Back up from the tape change. Cells continue to weaken. An east-west band of moderately intense convective cells is about 100 km to the south. This band propagated up from afternoon convection over the mountains of Cuba. Will still focus on the northern lobe. MIB 00:47 UTC: Almost all of the convection is beyond 50 km range. A strong cell to the east continues to move up the middle to upper Keys. Frequent lightning is visible in that cell. Also, the northern part of the N-S oriented band that was to our NW continues to move to the northeast and weaken. There is a broad region of stratiform rain behind it. The convection from Cuba is bout 75 km to the south and moving towards the north. The strongest part of that E-W band is on the western side. Blockage from the SMART-radar cab would prevent wind retrievals in that part of the storm. The eastern part of the band is considerably weaker with cells that are more discrete and well ahead of the trailing stratiform rain. Still focusing on the dissipating convection in the northern dual-Doppler lobe. MIB 01:30 UTC: Stratiform region that is 50-100 km to the north continues to weaken and drift towards the northeast. The E- W squall line out of Cuba is starting to develop into a more continuous band of convection. There is very frequent IC/CG lightning associated with that line. The leading edge of the line is about 50 km to the south and runs in azimuth from 130-240 degrees. Flow at the radar is from the north and about 10-15 knots. That should feed the squall line to the south quite well. All radars are coordinated in a full- far strategy. Will switch to the south sector within about 30 minutes. MIB 01:50 UTC: Switched to south-far strategy. All radars are coordinated. E-W squall line has intensified on the eastern side and weakened on the north. Very impressive CG/IC lightning. MIB 02:45 UTC: All radars have been on the south-near strategy for about 20 minutes. The eastern end of the squall line has developed into a quasi-two-dimensional band of reflectivity with peak values in the low 50dBZ range. Still descent CC/CG lightning, but not as frequent. Leading edge of the line is about 15 km away. A nice outflow boundary is evident. MIB 03:00 UTC: Gust front passed through. Very brief cool flow from the south. Well-defined arcus cloud (despite being nighttime). The E-W band has become more discrete again. A gap in the line may mean that little rain will occur at NPOL and SMART-radar. XPOW and TOGA should get moderately intense rain shortly. MIB 03:30 UTC: Switched to full-near strategy since the convective line has passed to the north of the baseline. Coordinated switch with SMART-radar and NPOL. NPOL will call XPOW. Plan to take about 3 volumes of FULL_NEAR and then switch to NORTH_FAR or NORTH_NEAR. MIB 04:20 UTC: SMART-radar was briefly hung up. About 10-15 minutes without coordinated dual-Doppler. Called NPOL and XPOW and will move strategy to an eastern sector. The western part of the E-W squall line has completely dissipated. There is a good cell to the northeast and new cells are forming along an arcing N-S line well to the east of the previous squall line. There is a broad region of stratiform rain. MIB 04:50 UTC: Finally got all the radars onto the eastern sector. The cell that was northeast at 40 km has dissipated. The only active convection is about 100 km to the east. Several regions of disconnected stratiform rain exists. Will stay with the eastern sector strategy for now. MIB 05:35 UTC: Switching to regular full-far/surveillance mode. The only convection continues to be east at a range between 100-150km. There are three disconnected regions of dissipating stratiform rain and that’s it. Will likely snooze for a while. MIB 09:25 UTC: Convection to the east has drifted to 150km range. New echo to the northwest is around 200 km in range. Basically second-tripping in northern hemisphere. Otherwise, nothing to report. MIB 10:35 UTC: Still just second trip in the full-far scan. Most precipitation is beyond 200 km range. MIB 11:35 UTC: Conditions remain the same, no significant activity to report at this time. NSD 15:15 UTC: Conditions have remained the same for the past few hours. A large precipitation area is located to the northwest beyond 150km and is slowly moving east. DRJ 16:00 UTC: The precipitation area is continuing to move eastward with cells developing in the northern dual-Doppler lobe. All radars are running a NORTH_FAR task at this time. DRJ 16:35 UTC: To the northwest, two linear bands have formed at 100-120km range. The bands are 40-50km in length. There are also cells developing to the west. The individual cells are moving to the northeast, while the system is drifting to the east. DRJ 16:52 UTC: The southern most linear rain band is beginning to build southward and merge with the developing cells located to the west at 110km range. A fairly intense cell has also developed in the past 10-20 minutes to the north at 55km range. DRJ 18:49 UTC: The rain band is breaking up into small cells oh high reflectivity. Most of the activity is to the northwest flowing southwest to northeast. Everything is anywhere form 10 to 200km north by northwest of the radar. NSD 19:14 UTC: There was a gigantic waterspout about 10km northeast of the radar. We saw it with the naked eye and it lasted for about 10min. NSD 20:03 UTC: A line of intense cells has developed along the length of the lower Keys. Heavy rain is present at TOGA and another waterspout was observed towards the west at 5-10km range. DRJ 21:00 UTC: The eastern edge of the line of cells that developed has a very intense cell moving along the length of the Keys (east-northeast). The western portions are beginning to take on a stratiform structure. Another cell has developed to the southwest, but is directly south of SMART-R, where their beam is blocked by the cab of the truck. A line of convection has also formed over Cuba and is moving north towards the Keys. Elsewhere, large regions of stratiform rain with embedded convection are present to the northeast, northwest, and southwest at ranges 170km. DRJ 21:27 UTC: Convective cells are beginning to develop in the southern dual-Doppler lobe at this time. We have coordinated with SMART-R to begin running the FULL_NEAR task. DRJ 21:46 UTC: The convective cells developing in the southern lobe are beginning to organize into a line. The area of precipitation heading north from Cuba is dissipating. DRJ 22:09 UTC: TOGA and SMART-R have changed to a FULL_FAR task. N-POL was down, but is now back up. The wave-guide had moisture in it. DRJ 22:45 UTC: There is weather all over in every direction Although reflectivity values are only in the 18 to 44dBz range, there is a lot of activity. There is a rain band forming 75 to 125km south of the radar. The entire mass is tracking northeast. NSD 9-28-01 02:08 UTC: Several regions of convective cells in the southern hemisphere. Highest reflectivity values are about 50dBZ. Very large region of stratiform rain to the south and to the west. Started focusing on the south sector with SMART-R. Note: N-POL appears to have lost some power as they report rapidly diminished reflectivity values in the past 30 minutes. Could be due to moisture in the waveguide as was reported to be problematic earlier. MIB 02:40 UTC: For the past hour or so there have been two primary convective bands. One is oriented southwest to northeast and moving towards the northwest. The other is oriented southeast to northwest and moving to the northeast. They intersected at about 100km range to the southwest of the radar. The northwest moving band appears to be dominant as the other band is weakening as the SW-NE band continues to move rapidly to the NW. The band should pass over both NPOL and SMART-R within the hour. A JW distrometer has been deployed at the SMART-R so it should be interesting to see what rain rates occur with the passage of the line. MIB 02:56 UTC: The NW propagating band is undergoing a discrete jump with a new line of cells forming about 10km ahead of the existing line. A x-z section perpendicular to the band showed that the line is only about 8km deep in the vertical. Little lightning activity is being reported by SMART-R. MIB 04:36 UTC: Most convective activity has dissipated. However, a new band of cells has formed to the east and is now about 100km from TOGA. There also remains a very extensive region of moderately heavy stratiform rain. Earlier N-POL reported that when rain hit the radar site that their reflectivity values dropped by about 10dB, down to a max of around 30dBZ. We were seeing about 40dBZ at the time. The distrometer at SMART-R recorded a peak rain rate of about 9 mm/hr which also corresponds well to a 40dBZ reflectivity value. MIB 11:09 UTC: Conditions remain the same, as they have all night. Nothing has changed since the last report. NSD 12:13 UTC: At this time, there is a large region of stratiform rain with embedded convection to the northwest centered between 50-100km. Farther northwest (beyond 150km) isolated convective cells are developing and are moving to the north. In addition, a squall line with a trailing stratiform region has emerged from the coast of Cuba and is moving north-northeast. DRJ 14:00 UTC: There is a large stratiform region forming to the southeast of the radar, and another large system forming to the northwest. They are both about 50 to 250km away. Reflectivity values are in the 18 to 53dBz range. This is some of the best weather we have seen during the whole experiment, it’s too bad that it happens to be the last day of operations. Everything is moving to the northwest. Operations are due to cease in two hours. NSD 15:17 UTC: A squall line with a trailing region of stratiform precipitation is located to the east and is about to cross over the middle Keys. The line is near 100km long and the system is moving north-northeast. Another large precipitation system is developing to the west and northwest beyond 150km. This is the third day in a row that such development has taken place. DRJ 15:57 UTC: The squall line is continuing to move northward towards the southern Florida peninsula. Trailing the line is a broad region of stratiform rain. Because X-POW has left town, we are shutting down operations. DRJ