Thought these maps might be interesting to create for reference. Notice the Pierre, SD, and Kirksville, MO, radar holes. I've also heard rumors that money was approved from congress to build a new radar in southeast Oklahoma to fill that small radar hole there.

Minimum beam height for 0.5 degree scan (ft above radar level) - National Map
http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/~slincoln ... _ftarl.png

Minimum beam height for 0.5 degree scan (ft above ground level)* - National Map
http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/~slincoln ... _ftagl.png

Minimum beam height for 0.5 degree scan (ft above ground level)* - Central US Map
http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/~slincoln ... entral.png

NEXRAD coverage deficiences and affected cities*
http://www.meteor.iastate.edu/~slincoln ... cities.png


*Note about AGL maps: Uses a fairly simple method for estimating terrain effects to the beam height. Is not a true 3D analysis that would be required for research quality maps and is meant more to be used as a visual aid to show where the ARL maps (and GR status bar info) will be least accurate.

Yeah those are neat to see. I know Tim Vasquez had written a post on the ST forums awhile aback about the top 10 biggest radar holes in/near the Midwest, and the Kirksville and Pierre ones were there. Those are indeed annoying. I also detest the SE OK, OK PH/SE CO and NC MN holes. They made my climatology research tougher.