Abstract Utilizing Doppler Radar to Estimate Rainfall Rates for Highway Segments.pdf

Utilizing Doppler Radar to Estimate Rainfall Rates for Highway Segments Nick Chape, Research Coordinator, AWISLab Robert Richardson, GIS Specialist, AWISLab J. David Lambert PhD, Director, AWISLab Patrick Welsh PhD, Executive Director, AWISLab Abstract This paper will present findings and the overall methodology for estimating roadway rain rates. In order to accurately estimate rainfall rates along Interstate highways in Northeast Florida for the Florida Road Weather information System (RWIS) in near real time, the investigators developed and implemented a new methodology to geo-locate Doppler radar rain rates. The intent of this project is to geo-locate the National Weather Services WSR-88D level-2 Doppler radar to specific mile markers along the roadways of interest, to initiate alerts or warnings to drivers. The geo-located Doppler information can then be analyzed, along with the point-specific shed rate of the road, to determine near real-time conditions of ponding and hydroplaning, and also used for historical analysis of accident statistics to establish causality between accidents that occurred and actual hydroplaning potential. Introduction Most drivers would agree that driving during a heavy rain storm is more dangerous than driving on a clear, dry day. The primary risk factors imposed by heavy precipitation include diminished visibility and increased stopping distances caused by the accumulation of moisture on the roadway (ponding) and the subsequent increased risk of hydroplaning, which can cause complete loss of control for drivers. The development of rainfall monitoring systems is a necessary precursor for the development of real-time, automated driver safety systems. In general, point data is considered the most accurate, since rainfall monitoring sensors (e.g. tipping buckets, etc.) have been developed to a high degree of precision. Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to deploy sensors close enough to moni