Uncertainties in the radar-based analysis of intense precipitation events

In August 2020, the region of the Emscher-Lippe catchment experienced a series of heavy thunderstorms caused by the establishment of a low-pressure belt. The storms were characterized by extremely limited local extends as well as by slow moving storm cells. This led to very high precipitation rates with high return periods especially for short duration events. Based on these storms, the challenges of a water management association in analysing and evaluating such events immediately after their occurrences are presented. The analysis of various radar products is shown, and their uncertainties are evaluated by comparing radar products and precipitation measurements of terrestrial stations for selected events. © 2021, Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.