Use of radar data for TC initialization and predictions

The use of high-resolution Doppler radar data to properly initialize inner-core circulation for high-resolution numerical models in order to improve intensity forecasts is discussed. The storm initialization scheme utilizes the mesoscale vorticity method, bounded derivative initialization (BDI), and a four-dimensional data assimilation system (FDDA). The scheme derives a balanced hurricane inner-core vortex from single Doppler radar wind measurements. Numerical results show positive radar data impacts on track and intensity forecasts. Comparisons of forecast winds and radar wind measurements show that the use of radar data improves the intensity and horizontal structure of forecast wind fields.