3 May 1999 Meteorological Overview

Exclusive: TDWR Images

Data from the FAA Terminal Doppler Weather Radar at Oklahoma City Will Rogers World Airport were archived during the 3 May 1999 F5 tornado in Moore, Oklahoma. Check out these three screen captures:
  • Image 1
  • Image 2
  • Image 3

    Take a look at this image comparing the KTLX WSR-88D (left image) to the Oklahoma City TDWR (right image). Note the two radars were approximately equdistant from the tornado at this time. The TDWR time stamp is incorrect.

    The Tornadoes

    Tornado Track Maps and Information from the National Weather Service.

    Doug Speheger of the National Weather Service office in Norman is in charge of the enormous task of documenting each tornado in central Oklahoma on May 3, 1999.

    Synoptic Environment

    12Z Maps:

    OUN sounding, 250 mb, 500 mb, 700 mb, 850 mb, 925 mb.

    18Z Maps:

    OUN sounding

    00Z Maps:

    OUN sounding, 250 mb, 500 mb, 700 mb, 850 mb, 925 mb.

    Other Maps:

    Purcell Wind Profiler

    Radar Images

    May 3 Radar Images courtesy Travis Smith of NSSL.
    Last Updated 26 March 2001