The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) now boasts the nation’s largest mobile weather radar facility, thanks to its new partnership with FARM (Flexible Array of Radars and Mesonets).
FARM Specializes in Severe Weather Research
FARM, one of the largest mobile weather units in the country, specializes in studying storms like tornadoes, hail, and windstorms. These advanced radars and mesonets will enable UAH researchers and students to gain deeper insights into how severe weather forms and enhance predictions.
Expansion of UAH’s Severe Weather Research Capabilities
Through this collaboration, UAH’s Severe Weather Institute – Radar and Lightning Laboratories (SWIRLL) now has eight mobile weather systems, making it one of the leading mobile radar facilities in the U.S. Previously focused on the Southeast, SWIRLL can now expand its weather research into the Great Plains and Midwest.
Advancing Severe Weather Research for Alabama
John Christy, director of UAH’s Earth Science Center, emphasized the importance of these tools in advancing severe weather research and safety. “We can be the center of severe weather research because Alabama experiences severe weather. Our goal is to apply this research to improve safety for people in Alabama,” said Christy.
Educational Opportunities for UAH Students
The mobile radars can travel anywhere, and researchers were even in them during Hurricane Helene, gathering critical storm data.
Karen Kosiba, managing director of FARM, highlighted the educational opportunities this partnership offers UAH students. “Students will get hands-on experience in field projects, analyzing data, publishing results, and gaining a deeper understanding of the atmosphere—training the next generation of meteorologists,” said Kosiba.
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