Bay News 9 launches exclusive state-of-the-art Doppler

Dual-Pole Doppler works by sending radar both vertically and horizontally into a storm. (slideshow)

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Bay News 9 is one of the first TV stations in the country, and the first in Florida, to get new technology called Dual-Pole Doppler.

Only about a half dozen TV stations worldwide own Doppler with Dual-Pole technology.

The National Weather Service will eventually upgrade all its radars across the country with Dual-Pole technology, but not for another three to five years, putting Bay News 9 far ahead of most weather forecasters in the use of a Dual-Pole system.

"We are very excited to have the first Dual-Pole Doppler radar in Florida," said Bay News 9 Chief Meteorologist Mike Clay. "This is a big part of our commitment to bring our viewers the latest weather technology, something we started 10 years ago and will continue into the future."

How does Pinpoint Doppler 9000 with Dual-Pole technology work?

Until now, Doppler radars have used horizontal pulses to see inside storms. That technology was good for telling meteorologists how much precipitation was falling, but couldn't tell them what that precipitation was. Rain? Snow? Sleet? Meteorologists had to judge based on surrounding conditions.

But Dual-Pole looks at storms both horizontally and vertically. It detects the size, shape, speed and location of precipitation, enabling meteorologists to more accurately distinguish between, for example, light and heavy rain, and therefore to more precisely predict potential flooding.

Dual-Pole is the most accurate and powerful radar currently in existence for TV broadcasts.

"Dual-Pole is as big of a jump in weather warning technology as Doppler was in the 1990s." Clay said. "We are just beginning to learn the things this radar will be able to do. It will be very interesting to see the type of data viewers will now be able to see. Giving early warning and keeping our viewers safe is our highest priority."

Earlier this year, Bay News 9's Anna Tataris spoke with the National Weather Service about Dual Pole Radar.

Visit Bay News 9 on Demand, channel 342 on Bright House Networks digital cable, in the Weather section under "Forecasting", to learn more about Pinpoint Doppler 9000 with Dual-Pole Technology.

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