That's the klystron, a particle accelerator that generates the microwave pulses the radar uses, Masterson explained, yelling above the din of an air handler.
Inside one of them is a cabinet containing a gray metal cylinder the size of a large soup pot. "It's a very critical tool because we can't possibly know what the atmosphere is doing everywhere at once," he said.Īt the base of the metal tower are four shacks housing the equipment that support the radar above. Though it has limitations, he said, "radar is the only device that we have that will tell me where is it precipitating right now." John Wheeler, a meteorologist at WDAY TV, said he uses many other tools such as weather satellites and computer models to forecast the weather in the hours or days ahead.
#GRAND FORKS WEATHER RADAR IN MOTION DRIVERS#
In early December, for example, the Weather Service was able to warn drivers of heavy snowfall in a narrow band from Cavalier, N.D., to Cooperstown, N.D., he said. It's especially useful in the summer when tornadoes threaten, he said, but they are also helpful in the winter. This year, in July, the radar will celebrate its 20th year of operation.ĭan Riddle, a radar specialist in the Weather Service's Grand Forks office, said the radar an important tool for warning the public about potentially dangerous weather conditions. When meteorologists in the Red River Valley talk about Doppler radar and point to maps filled with swirling rainbow-hued clouds, this radar by the side of a quiet country road is what they're talking about. The purpose of the radome is to protect the radar from the elements as it scans the skies around the clock for signs of snowstorms, thunderstorms and tornadoes.
It feels bigger from the inside, even with a 28-foot wide radar dish dominating the space. On the other side is a big white dome familiar to anyone who has driven north of Mayville on County Road 14. Masterson, who maintains electronics for the National Weather Service, didn't pay much attention to the scenery as he unlocked a hatch in the platform. On a clear day, a person could see for nearly a dozen miles all around with no trees or buildings to block the view. David Masterson led the way up the metal tower one steep flight of stairs after another until they ended at a platform 80 feet above the snowy countryside. This can be a busy time for many of us as we do. The holidays are upon us and that means great food, fun, and spending quality time with loved ones.
Over the years, the work that had been done had slowly deteriorated, and he was living. In 1999 Ron Thramer had rotator cuff surgery on his right arm. We almost always expect the doctor to give us an antibiotic. When you feel sick with a cough, sore throat or fever, you want to feel better fast. All the costumes and decorations have been moved off shelves to make room for, you guessed it, Christmas. Long before we looked to Doppler radar and high-tech satellites to predict the weather, some people looked no further than their own arthritic knees. All Joint Care Articles All Blog Articles
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