Watch VideoFirst Alert Doppler
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Source: First Alert Weather Team
Published Fri Aug 08, 2008, 04:26 PM MDT
Updated Wed Jul 01, 2009, 11:52 AM MDT
Two years ago, the weather team at 5/30 was given the ability to integrate information from four separate National Weather Service radars surrounding Southern Colorado. Those radars are in Grand Junction to the west, Denver to the north, Pueblo on the south, and Goodland, Kansas to the east.
Now, First Alert adds to that network the fifth and most powerful Doppler radar, completely independent of the National Weather Service. This significant financial investment by 5/30 provides a valuable public service - providing live, real-time information about dangerous storms that the NWS can't provide.
This is the first and only live Doppler radar in Southern Colorado.
While most local TV stations call their radars "live," the First Alert Doppler is the only radar that's truly live. Because of the way they scan the sky, National Weather Service data is always about five to ten minutes old, meaning that First Alert is always several minutes ahead. During severe weather, every second counts - you need the most accurate and immediate information available. The First Alert team is the only place to turn.
The First Alert Doppler scans the skies faster and farther out than any of the government radars; it's got the power and vertical polarity necessary to really fight through rain, hail, sleet, and snow to deliver immediately the clearest picture of the storm.
While it's tempting to add "Mega," "Super," "X-treme," "5000," "HD," "Whopper," "MAX," or "Ultra" to the name of this superior weather tool, we're simply calling it First Alert Doppler. It's an important addition to our on-going commitment to give you the early warning.
The First Alert Doppler is perched in an elevated position southeast of Colorado Springs and northeast of Pueblo, giving it a good look over the mountains and across the plains. Under clear conditions, its range is more than 300 miles, covering our entire state, as well as significant portions of Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, and New Mexico.
The video included in this story is a basic, one-minute piece shows the tower location, the inside of the radar dome, and the dome being lifted and attached to the top of the tower. When finished, it looks much like a golf ball atop a tee.
Click here to see "First Alert Doppler: Get the Early Warning," a 10-minute special about this new weather technology.
Click here to learn about the First Alert weather team.
Click here to learn how Doppler radar works.
Click here to learn about the company that makes our radar.
