WFO locations, radar holes, and history

[Jason Bolt]

I am interested in how the WFO locations were chosen. We talk on here a lot about where the biggest radar holes are and how they affect public safety. What about the WFOs that are a bike ride apart? Topeka and KC are two that come to mind. With all the holes that have been identified and all the budget concerns, how do we get two WFOs that are 60 miles apart?

 

[Mike Smith]

Jason, believe it or not, I cover this in my book!

Here's why: The original WSR-57 for Kansas City was put on top of the Old Federal Building at 9th and Walnut in KC. The theory was, by putting it high up, they could see storms over OMA, DSM, TUL, SGF, etc., as well as KC (KC was the 2nd WSR-57). The KC area has suffered a devastating F5 tornado on May 20, 1957. The radar went up in 1959.

The problem was that the radar couldn't see storms in the KC area! In the late 1950's, they didn't know the higher up you put a radar, the more ground clutter you had. So, to fix the problem, they put a local warning radar in TOP and upgraded the office to WSFO status so KC would have quality radar, and warning, coverage.

Now, you have a sneak preview of what's in the book!! There is even a photo of the original radar on top of the old Federal Building.