The NOWRAD
Radar Summary maps are meant to help you track
storms more quickly and accurately. These maps consist of echo top heights, cell movement indicators, tornado and
severe thunderstorm watch boxes, and the
NEXRAD Storm Table information overlaid onto the mosaic
radar imagery. The
radar summary graphics display cell movement and direction by arrows, with
speed in knots, and the echo top heights in hundreds of feet. An 'NA' on the chart indicates that the
radar report from that station was 'Not Available', and 'NE' shows that the
radar was seeing 'No Echos'.
Severe weather watch boxes are also plotted - red boxes indicate a Tornado Watch has been issued for the area, and a blue box indicates a
Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for the area.
The
NEXRAD storm Table data includes the following criteria:
Mesocyclone (MESO)
The
NEXRAD algorithms detect a three dimensional rotating section of a storm that is an indicator of
severe weather.
Tornadic vortex signature (TVS)
Potential tornadic activity is detected by the
NEXRAD algorithms within the mesocyclone.
Hail (HAIL)
The
NEXRAD algorithms are detecting the probability of hail within the storm.
Hook Echo (HOOK)
The
radar observation (ROBs) is detecting a hook echo, which is an indicator for potential tornadoes.
Watch Boxes
Thunderstorm and tornado watches issued by the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, OK.