In 1964, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) commissioned the first Doppler weather radar. The 3-cm Doppler was used to receive radio signals from storms, and was soon used in experimental "tornado tracking." Through these experiments, scientists realized the radar was not yet powerful enough to track all of the necessary data.

In 1973, the NOAA upgraded to a 10-cm Doppler, which was observed by the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL). A tornado's life cycle was captured through film and data for the first time in history, giving scientists a better picture of the circular wind patterns and central rotation point known to tornados.

Scientists sought to increase their knowledge of how storms like these formed. One particular storm in May of 1973 cut right through the heart of Union City, Oklahoma. Union City lies in the center of the infamous "Tornado Alley" region of the United States. With the data received by the scientists, they were able to start planning upgrades and improvements of the Doppler weather radar so it could be a more reliable asset to the government and the residents.

The Doppler system maps weather radar by measuring the motion inside these very hostile storms. Over time, scientists discovered that tornadoes produce a unique signature; different from regular storms. And as time went on, they were able to recognize this pattern, which they later called the "tornadic vortex" signature.

Doppler weather radar improvements, including NEXRAD (Next Generation Radar), increased the warning time and the path prediction accuracy in storms with tornadic activity. Using NEXRAD, scientists nationwide are able to share data, giving a clearer picture of what to expect.

Based on cloud rotation and "hook-echo" patterns noted, the National Weather Service issued a warning to residents of Enterprise, Alabama to take cover. Eighteen minutes later, a tornado ripped through their town.

No amount of time will ever seem like enough to prepare yourself for the shock and fear a tornado can bring. Eighteen minutes won't save your home, your business, or your car. But it provides enough time to help your loved ones get to a safe shelter, as well as to gather some emergency supplies. In the beginning, Doppler weather radar technology was created to increase warning times for these severe weather reports and save lives. Forty-five years later, amazing breakthroughs are achieving that goal.