WERA HF ocean radar performance during severe storm Xaver

In the wider maritime environment there is an increasing requirement of continuous maritime surveillance in all-weather conditions. This challenge can be well solved by using high-frequency (HF) ocean radars installed at the coast. These systems are capable to monitor sea surface far beyond the horizon and deliver information about sea state parameters and vessel tracking. Performance of the WERA HF ocean radar systems was analyzed for both oceanographic and vessel tracking applications under adverse meteorological conditions during severe storm Xaver, which crossed the German Bight on December 5-6, 2013. The results showed that radars survived the storm and were providing measurements continuously. The radar coverage was reduced suitably in range during the storm to give adequate measurements of sea surface current velocity. The sailing vessels were identified in strong variable sea clutter caused by wave heights up to 8 meters.