Starting Monday, the weather radar through the National Weather Service in Paducah will be down for approximately two weeks to allow for an important upgrade.
According to a news release, the pedestal of the radar—one of the most critical components of the device—will be replaced and refurbished. The components are extremely heavy and will require the radome to be removed by crane and replaced when the work is completed. This activity is necessary to keep the radar functioning for another 20 years or more.
NOAA’s National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $135 million in an eight-year program—this is the third major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program. The first project was the installation of the new signal processor and the second project was the refurbishment of the transmitter. The fourth project will be the refurbishment of the equipment shelters.
Surrounding area radars will still be available through the replacement.