Cuban News Agency

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By adapting cutting-edge technology to the existing radar in the central
province of Camaguey, the refurbishment will allow specialists to measure
the wind speed and predict sea floods in the event of different
meteorological phenomena like hurricanes.

Director Orlando Rodriguez told ACN conventional radars with a 450 Km
range can only measure the intensity of rain, while Doppler technology
makes it possible to predict the possible path of tornados and waterspouts.

Engineer Leonardo Fernandez, in charge of the assembly, said because of
the high prices of this type of high-technology equipment in the
international market –quoted at around $5 million-, Cuba decided to buy
the components separately.

Local specialists adapted the technology to the center’s requirements and
assembled the radar. They also implemented the software and interfaces to
connect the computers with meteorological equipment, and there were other
elements that were designed and manufactured at the Center, bringing about
a saving of at least $100,000.

Out of the eight radars making up the Cuban Meteorological Center’s
network, the one located in Camaguey is the first one using Doppler
technology.

With 68 weather stations, Cuba has one of the most important and efficient
early hurricane detection and warning systems of the Caribbean.