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Storm Impacting the Northwest U.S.; Fire Weather Conditions in Southern California; Severe Weather in the South

A Pacific storm is bringing areas of low elevation rain, moderate to heavy mountain snow, and high winds to the Northwest. Strong Santa Ana winds and very dry conditions are producing elevated to critical fire weather conditions in southern California. Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms are possible through early Wednesday morning across parts of northeast Texas into western Tennessee. Read More >

Beginning Thursday, April 22nd, the KMQT WSR-88D radar operated by the NOAA National Weather Service in Marquette, MI will be out of service for approximately seven days for the replacement of the radar generator, fuel tanks, and accompanying components. This activity is important to support the radar’s operation during periods of commercial power outages, specifically when hazardous weather is present.

This generator update is the fifth and final major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program of the KMQT WSR-88D radar.  The series of recent upgrades and replacements will keep both the KMQT WSR-88D radar and our nation’s radars viable into the 2030’s. NOAA National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $150 million in the seven year program. Major projects of the Service Life Extension Program have included the installation of a new signal processor,  refurbishment of the pedestal, and other building and wiring upgrades. The nationwide Service Life Extension Program will be completed in 2023.

During the downtime, adjacent radars include:

The KMQT 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.