Flash flooding — the rapid rise of water in a normally dry area — is mostly related to excessive rainfall resulting in significant groundwater runoff and quick rises in waterways. NOAA National Weather Service forecasters rely on accurate quantitative precipitation estimations.
Category: Research News
Researchers study costliest severe thunderstorm event
One year ago, a severe thunderstorm with extreme winds — called a derecho — tore through the Midwest United States. The event brought extensive damage, totaling an estimated $7.5 billion in damage.
Using a dual-pol radar feature to anticipate downburst development
Downbursts—an area of strong winds in a thunderstorm—can damage trees and buildings, disrupt air travel, and cause loss of life. Decades of work by scientists has revealed a lot of information about downbursts including certain…
New video: Studying tornado damage with Uncrewed Aircraft Systems
Researchers at the NOAA National Severe Storms Lab are using Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) to study storm damage in rural areas .Learn about the multispectral camera on the UAS, and how it provides important imagery for researchers.
Researchers developing experimental winter forecasting tools
Last month, millions of people across the United States were impacted by several inches to feet of snow and the coldest temperatures in decades. Thousands lost power and water, and travel was treacherous as multi-vehicle…
New data product offers a more complete picture of storms
Researchers are excited to announce the release of a new, extensive data product that combines a multitude of data sources to help researchers, forecasters, and weather enthusiasts.
Researchers study lower atmosphere to answer remaining questions
While scientists have learned a lot about our planet, questions remain about the lowest part of the atmosphere where we live. Researchers at the NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory are looking for answers.
TORUS project expects “groundbreaking” results
After 32 days on the road, 19 supercell storms and at least eight tornadoes, researchers expect results from a recent field project.
Laser light system among the armada of tools used in TORUS
The LiDAR team collects observations for TORUS, utilizing the device to track how quickly all the dust, dirt and particles move in the atmosphere.
The Emotional Toll of Tornadoes
A societal impacts researcher meets with those involved in alerting the public when tornadoes are near and locals who were personally impacted.