SBC 281: Tropical Cyclones Wind Structure: Insights from NOAA’s ASCAT Ultra-High-Resolution Winds

Session Preview: Accurately characterizing tropical cyclone wind structure is critical for forecasting storm impacts and supporting operational decision-making. In this session, the NOAA Ocean Winds Science Team will present a methodology for estimating tropical cyclone wind radii (R34, R50, and R64) and maximum wind parameters using Ultra-High-Resolution (UHR) wind speed retrievals from the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT-B/C). Drawing on approximately 250 hurricane overpasses from 2020–2024, the team will demonstrate how ASCAT-UHR observations can be used to derive key wind structure parameters and compare favorably with best-track estimates from IBTrACS. The presentation will also highlight comparisons with other satellite-based wind observations, including microwave radiometers and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Join us to learn how advanced scatterometer observations are enhancing tropical cyclone analysis and improving our ability to monitor storm structure, especially in data-sparse regions where aircraft reconnaissance is unavailable. About the Presenter: Zorana Jelenak is a remote sensing scientist with a background in physics and electrical engineering and more than 25 years of experience in satellite and airborne instrument calibration, validation, operational product development, and user community engagement. Her work focuses on developing and delivering accurate, timely, and unbiased operational data products that support weather forecasting and Earth system monitoring. Over the course of her career, Jelenak has flown aboard NOAA’s Hurricane Hunters as lead project scientist for the NESDIS Ocean Winds Experiment, completing more than 400 hurricane eyewall penetrations, the highest number achieved by a female scientist. These airborne missions have supported the calibration of operational satellite measurements, the testing and implementation of new technologies, and the advancement of remote sensing capabilities for severe weather forecasting. Her work helps bridge research and operations by ensuring that new remote sensing technologies are tested, validated, and translated into practical tools for forecasters and decision-makers. She is especially focused on improving the monitoring and forecasting of tropical and extratropical cyclones and advancing science that helps reduce the impacts of extreme weather. About the SBC: The SBC Seminar Series is held weekly on Thursdays and provides an opportunity for scientists across the NOAA satellite community to share topics of interest with their peers. Presentations may cover applications of satellite data in the field, new developments in polar and geostationary programs, or any other satellite-related subject the community wishes to discuss. To receive updates on upcoming sessions, posted recordings, and other SBC announcements, you can subscribe using the form linked here. The series is organized and run by the TOWR-S team. Access the SBC Sessions Archive here, and submit feedback on any previous session here. About TOWR-S: The Total Operational Weather Readiness–Satellites (TOWR-S) team helps NOAA/NWS forecasters effectively use satellite data to support real-time decision-making. Through systems engineering, integration, training, and field-driven support, the team ensures new satellite capabilities transition smoothly into operations. TOWR-S develops and maintains tools such as the TOWRpro RPM, ISatSS, and other tools that enhance how satellite products are delivered and applied in mission. Forecasters can explore these resources—and additional capabilities like VuSkew, the Mission Map, and reference procedures—on the TOWR-S Portal, accessible here: https://geotowr.nws.noaa.gov The team also conducts user engagement on behalf of NESDIS program offices and the NWS Office of Observations, including emerging activities such as the SBC Seminar Series, to help keep the field connected with the latest satellite advancements. Questions on configuring satellite products or on the RPM, slack us at #towr-s.