Power Doppler 3 (frequently referred to as Power Doppler 3000 by users) is the flagship, high-resolution local weather tracking radar system utilized by KATC TV3, the ABC-affiliated television station serving Lafayette and the Acadiana region of South Louisiana. Managed by Chief Meteorologist Rob Perillo and the KATC Weather Team, this system provides real-time, street-level tracking of severe weather, tropical systems, and local rainfall patterns. Key Features of Power Doppler 3
250-Meter Resolution: This delivers the highest resolution radar imaging commercially available to civilian mobile users.
FutureCast Predictive Radar: This models exactly where severe weather cells are headed over the next 24 to 72 hours.
Dual-Polarization Data: This measures both horizontal and vertical properties of targets to differentiate between rain, hail, and non-weather debris like wildfire smoke.
Street-Level Tracking: This pinpoints specific storm cells moving through localized areas like New Iberia, Lafayette, and Jeanerette. How to Access the Radar
Mobile Apps: The radar is fully integrated into the KATC WX App on Google Play and the KATC Weather App on the Apple App Store, featuring opt-in severe weather push alerts.
Web Tracking: Real-time loops and regional composites can be viewed directly on the KATC Radars and Futurecast Page. Core Tracking Capabilities Metric / Tool Tracking Function Precipitation Accumulation
Estimates rainfall amounts over a rolling 24-hour window to warn of flash flooding. Velocity Imaging
Detects wind speed and rotation inside severe thunderstorms to anticipate tornado spin-ups. High-Res Satellite
Overlays real-time cloud imagery with Doppler data for a comprehensive atmospheric view.
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