The Nation - News from June 2, 1988

For the first time meteorologists will be able to see the formation of tornadoes before they reach the ground, pinpoint the landing site of hurricanes and measure the flow of wind in clear air, developers of the nation’s new weather radar system said. Under development for eight years, the first of the Next-Generation Weather Radars is now under construction in Norman, Okla., site of the government’s National Severe Storms Laboratory. Officials said the new radars will also improve flash flood warnings. While current radars detect only the amount of moisture in the air, the new one can detect its movement. The system, built by UNISYS, is a joint project of the National Weather Service, Federal Aviation Administration, Air Force Air Weather Service and Naval Oceanographic Office.