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WRAL-TV Launches a New Invention in Doppler Technology
Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel Premieres DUALDoppler5000
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Continuing its long history of technical innovation, WRAL-TV debuted the most powerful and accurate broadcast radar ever built, during WRAL News at 5:00 on September 12, 2007. With a million watts of power and newly invented dual polarization technology, the all-new DUALDoppler5000 sees twice as much as ordinary Doppler radar.
“WRAL has always invested in the best technology,” says WRAL-TV Vice President/General Manager Jim Hefner. “Without question, this is the most advanced radar technology available today.”
For decades, Doppler radars have observed storms using a horizontal scan, allowing meteorologists to identify the intensity of precipitation inside a storm. Precipitation type, however, was always inferred, judging by weather conditions.
Polarimetric, or dual polarization, technology combines conventional horizontal scanning with simultaneous vertical pulses. Using Hydrometeor Classification, the radar can specifically identify different types of precipitation using the shape, size, speed and location of particles in the storm. By providing seven different measurements of storm data, DUALDoppler5000 sees twice as much as ordinary Doppler.
“Dual polarization is what really separates this Doppler from ordinary Doppler,” says WRAL Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel. “Nothing wrong with ordinary radar, it used to be the best tool meteorologists had. Until now. We’re thrilled to be one of only 5 stations in America with this technology.” The other stations are in New York, Chicago, Houston and Huntsville, Alabama.
“Helping viewers protect themselves in severe weather is the bottom line in our weather coverage,” says WRAL’s News Director Rick Gall. “This radar gives our viewers a perspective in a storm they’ve never had before.”
To help viewers understand the differences between the new DUALDoppler5000 radar and ordinary Doppler, WRAL.com launched a special interactive, educational section on September 12.
- View the video introducing the DualDoppler 5000 on WRAL-TV’s 5pm newscast on Sept 12th.
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Debbie Strange for this capcom story.
