Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 07:28:15 -0700 (MST)
From: Bob Rozumalski <roz@mailhost.comet.ucar.edu>
Subject: Announcement: National WES case study #13
To: roz@mailhost.comet.ucar.edu
Cc: archives@mailhost.comet.ucar.edu
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Greetings All,


I am pleased to announce another new addition to the National
Case Study Library:

 
Title       : 8 April 2003 Rio Grande Valley Supercell Event
Author      : Kurt Vanspeybroeck
Localization: BRO (Brownsville, TX)



SIMULATION SUMMARY

This particular simulation is designed to focus and highlight basic
radar and satellite techniques employed by novice/inexperienced
meteorologists. By observing the pre-storm environment, coupled with
several identifiable boundaries, basic warning decision skills can
be learn or refined.  Utilization of  WarnGen in this simulation will
give the novice meteorologist experience with the software and ancillary
NWS products that are required during a warning event.


EVENT SUMMARY

During the early morning hours of April 8th, 2003 a significant severe
weather event developed across northeast Mexico and Deep South Texas.
Although this is traditionally considered the most stable diurnal time
of day, elevated supercells producing large hail and damaging winds can
develop and causes significant widespread damage. The limited areal coverage
and proximity to an International Boundary often preclude the issuance of
any Severe/Tornado watch box. No watch boxes were issued for this event,
and only one long lived, elevated supercell developed. This storm produced
a track of intermittent severe hail, 70 miles long 2 miles wide on average.
The storm was directly responsible for over $50 million in commercial and
residential property damage; an estimated 300 automobiles were damaged or
destroyed.  No fatalities were reported and only a few minor injuries were
recorded as a result of this storm.


TRAINING OBJECTIVES

Upon successful completion of this simulation, the trainee should be equipped
to, with confidence:

   1.  Identify multiple low level boundaries using radar and observations.
   2.  Determine movement (both speed and direction) of boundaries.
   3.  Issue timely convective warnings using WarnGen.
   4.  Discriminate between tornadic and non-tornadic thunderstorms.


INSTRUCTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

The discreet nature of this severe weather event provides for a variety of
simulation types covering several learning objectives. Some of the unique
characteristics of this event include anticipation of severe convection,
time of occurrence, warning decision, and workload issues. The decision to
warn outside of climatological signals for unusually significant storms was
lso a minor factor in the warning process. The quality of observational feedback
from spotters and media also raises the issue of discrimination between tornadic
and non-tornadic thunderstorms. Although the primary severe weather was 
widespread
large hail (golf ball to isolated baseball size), an "unconfirmed" tornado was
reported in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico and isolated damaging winds of 60 mph
were noted.  Flooding was not considered an issue during this event.


Case #13 is available on DVD along with a companion simulation
guide from the SOO/STRC National Case Study Library:

   http://strc.comet.ucar.edu/csl


Let me know if you have any questions.


Regards,

Bob


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Robert A. Rozumalski     NWS National SOO Science and	
                         Training Resource Coordinator

COMET/UCAR PO Box 3000   Phone:  303.497.8356
Boulder, CO 80307-3000   FAX:    303.497.8491

SOO/STRC Home Page: 
http://strc.comet.ucar.edu
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