The 1993 superstorm was one of the most powerful winter storms in modern
times, a truly rare event. The WSR-88D radar was still relatively new when
this remarkable storm occurred, with Melbourne being one of the few WSR-88D
sites. Most other radars were WSR-57s, which only output microfilm making
the data virtually impossible to use. Below is a radar loop of the Superstorm's
crushing derecho coming through Florida, as seen from Melbourne. A
significant storm surge accompanied this derecho on the west coast of Florida,
with hurricane force winds and hundreds of thousands of lightning strikes
being reported across the state. 11 tornadoes occurred as well in Florida.
After the derecho passed, temperatures plunged to record low levels, signaling
the passage of a cold front that would make its way all the way to the equator.
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