Radar

The radar is situated at the top of the hill at the Northern tip of Abbot Point, approximately 25km North West of the Bowen Township. The radar has good coverage over the ocean from North West, through the North, East and South East. Inland, the radar's view is partially obscured by some hills (approx. 700m high) about 10 to 20 km to the SSE and by an isolated hill (approx. 250m high) about 6 km to the WSW. These obstructions may hamper the detection of rainfall in these directions. The radar is well sited for detecting tropical cyclones out over the Coral Sea and for tracking thunderstorms over land. During the winter months when the South East trades winds are active, the radar will be able to detect developing showers. However, it can also be affected by sea clutter during windy conditions when the rough sea surface reflects the radar signal possibly masking light inshore showers.