Radar At National Weather Service In Ruskin Down For 2 Weeks

RUSKIN, FL — Beginning Jan. 6, the WSR-88D Doppler Radar operated by NOAA's National Weather Service in Ruskin 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 lifespan. These repairs are necessary to keep the radar functioning for another 20 years or more.

The pedestal refurbishment is the third major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades that will keep the 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: NWS Melbourne (KMLB), FAA Tampa (TTPA), FAA Orlando (TMCO), NWS Jacksonville (KJAX) and NWS Miami (KAMX).