First observations of the initial radar node in the Puerto Rico TropiNet X-band polarimetric Doppler weather testbed

The first of three proposed X-band dual polarization Doppler weather radar nodes of the Puerto Rico tropical weather testbed, known as the TropiNet network [1], has been deployed, and is in operation in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico since February 2012. The RXM-25, locally known as the TropiNet radar, is a polarimetric Doppler weather radar, operating in the X-band frequency range, designed to cover a scan range of 40 km, at high sampling resolutions. It has been well documented and reported, as in [2, 3], that the island of Puerto Rico experiences severe weather events that bring heavy rain. These rain events, compounded by the mountainous topography, urban development, and population density, adversely contribute to an increased rate of flash floods and mudslides that are potentially hazardous to life and property. This paper will present the axial node of the TropiNet radar network, its associated infrastructure, and selected first observations.