National Weather Service Text Product Display

Public Information Statement
Issued by NWS Anchorage, AK
Versions: 1 2 3 4 5

000
NOAK48 PAFC 180413
PNSAFC
AKZ101-111-121-125-131-135-141-145-171-210200-

Public Information Statement
National Weather Service Anchorage AK
813 PM AKDT Sat Apr 17 2021

...MIDDLETON ISLAND RADAR OUTAGE DURING MAJOR UPGRADE...

Contacts:
Noelle Runyan, Meteorologist-In-Charge
Noelle.Runyan@noaa.gov,(907)266-5120

Eddie.Zingone, Warning Coordination Meteorologist (Acting)
Eddie.Zingone@noaa.gov,(907)266-5105

April 17, 2021

Beginning April 22, the Middleton Island (PAIH) WSR-88D operated
by NOAA`s National Weather Service in Anchorage, Alaska will be
down for approximately two weeks for an important upgrade.
Technicians will refurbish and replace the pedestal, one of the
most critical components of the radar, which is necessary for
antenna rotation and positioning to capture data in all
directions. The components are extremely heavy and will require
the radome to be removed by crane and replaced when the work is
completed.

The radar and pedestal were designed to last 25 years, and this radar
has exceeded its life-span. This activity is necessary to keep
the radar functioning for another 20 years or more.

The pedestal refurbishment is the third major project of the NEXRA
Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades that will
keep our nation`s radars viable into the 2030s. NOAA`s National
Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal
Aviation Administration are investing $135 million in the eight
year 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. The Service Life Extension Program will be
complete in 2023. During the downtime, adjacent radars will be
available, including: Kenai (PAHG). For direct access to any of
these surrounding radar sites, visit the following web page:
https://radar.weather.gov/

The PAIH WSR-88D is part of a network of 159 operational radars.
The Radar Operations Center in Norman, Oklahoma, provides
lifecycle management and support for all WSR-88Ds.

The National Weather Service in Anchorage, Alaska can be found on
social media at Facebook: /NWSAnchorage or Twitter: @NWSAnchorage

$$
National Weather Service National Headquarters
