Bow Echo Storm Event Over Paducah, Kentucky 1996

COMET Case Study 004 documents a single, intense bow echo convective storm system that passed over Paducah, Kentucky on May 5, 1996. The dataset was compiled by the COMET program and archived through UCAR/JOSS/NOAA's CODIAC system. It captures the event's meteorological conditions and evolution for that specific date.

Use Cases

• Analyzing radar reflectivity and velocity patterns to identify the characteristic 'bow' shape and rear-inflow jet of the storm.
• Correlating surface weather station data, such as wind speed, pressure, and precipitation, with the storm's track and timing.
• Validating numerical weather prediction models by comparing simulated output against the observed storm parameters from this event.
• Studying the relationship between environmental parameters, like wind shear and instability indices, and the initiation and maintenance of the bow echo.

Strengths

• Focuses on a well-documented, classic case study event useful for meteorological education and research.
• Archived by authoritative organizations (UCAR/JOSS/NOAA) ensuring data integrity and provenance.

Limitations

• Contains data for only one specific event on a single day, limiting statistical analysis.
• The exact data variables, formats, and volume are unspecified, complicating immediate usability assessment.

Provenance

Source

UCAR/JOSS/NOAA CODIAC archive, compiled under the COMET program.

Collection Method

Observational data collected from meteorological instruments (e.g., radar, surface stations) during the event.

Time Range

1996-05-05

Freshness

null

Geography

Paducah, Kentucky area and the storm's path.