Description
Separate storm events under a supplied inter-event gap rule.
Weather accumulation records need explicit reset, carry, observation-time and area-weight conventions. Trace or missing precipitation differs from measured zero, and radar dBZ must be converted to a linear basis before a linear reflectivity mean. Supplied density, timing and weighting terms do not create a forecast or verify actual weather conditions.
Separate storm events under a supplied inter-event gap rule.
When to use this tool
Use Storm Inter Event Gap when you already have previousEndHours, nextStartHours, suppliedSeparationHours and need to separate storm events under a supplied inter-event gap rule.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter previousEndHours, nextStartHours, suppliedSeparationHours. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read gapHours, separateUnderRule. Inspect separateUnderRule before interpreting the associated values.
Require nextStartHours>=previousEndHours and separation>=0; return next-start minus previous-end and flag gap>=separation.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| previousEndHours | Previous End Hours | Required. Finite number. |
| nextStartHours | At least previousEndHours; overlapping storm intervals are rejected. | Required. Finite number. |
| suppliedSeparationHours | Supplied Separation Hours | Required. Finite number; minimum 0. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| gapHours | Gap Hours | Required. Finite number. |
| separateUnderRule | Separate Under Rule | Required. Boolean. |
{
"input": {
"previousEndHours": 10,
"nextStartHours": 18,
"suppliedSeparationHours": 6
},
"output": {
"gapHours": 8,
"separateUnderRule": true
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- Equality satisfies the rule, while overlapping intervals are rejected; no storm is detected or meteorological separation threshold selected.
- Inputs must satisfy both the field types and the cross-field conditions above. Invalid input causes an error; a successful false flag or documented placeholder is a different result.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Numeric signed-zero results are exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Review the original gauge/radar series, clock and accumulation metadata, including resets and missing intervals. Use the complete spatial or process model for basin precipitation, snow or forecasting; local depth contributions and reference gaps do not infer unobserved weather.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Storm Total Missing Interval Fraction
Calculate missing duration as a fraction of a supplied storm observation period.
- Freezing Level Station Height Gap
Measure a supplied freezing level's height relative to a station.