The quantitative measurement and forecasting of precipitation is crucial for predicting and mitigating the effects of flood-producing storms.
The main goal in flood forecasting is to provide reliable information to the general public, local authorities, and emergency services under the threat of potential flooding.
Although significant progress has been made in the measurement and forecasting of precipitation using weather radars and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models, there is a need to improve precipitation forecasts during extreme rainfall events in particular, not only for flood prediction in large rural catchments but also for applications in urban hydrology.
Current research includes:
- Urban flood forecasting using probabilistic radar rainfall ensembles;
- measurement of precipitation with polarimetric weather radars;
- blending NWP and radar ensemble rainfall forecasts for flood prediction.