Ahead Of The Storm: What’s Next in Technology For Tracking Storms?

Radar plays a critical role in News On 6’s severe weather coverage.

It is the most powerful tool the News On 6 team has to track severe weather, and we have all of Oklahoma covered.

When storms get closer and threaten northeast Oklahoma, they are picked up on our doppler, which is located just north of Coweta.

This radar gives minute-by-minute updates.

Those updates, combined with the information from the National Weather Service radar near Inola, we have you covered no matter where the storms are.

Because radars are so critical to keeping you safe during a storm, some of Oklahoma’s own are already working on the next generation of storm tracking technology.

Scientist and engineers with the University of Oklahoma’s Advanced Radar Research Center are developing what is called a Phased Array radar.

Dr. Bob Palmer is the Executive Director of the center and shared just how often this new technology provides scans.

“Most radars are providing scans every few minutes, and Phased Array can provide it every few seconds,” Dr. Palmer said.

As Dr. Palmer explained, recent advancements will help provide faster information when it matters most.

“I think the now-casting will be more accurate because you are not waiting for that next scan,” Dr. Palmer stated.

No matter where weather tracking technology goes from here, News On 6 is committed to keeping you safe when seconds count.