JACKSONVILLE, FL – A national overhaul of the Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) network has been completed to extend the life of the country’s 159 radars.
It took over nine years to complete the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which will improve timely warnings for severe and hazardous weather, thereby protecting lives and property.
The final radar pedestal in Missoula, Montana, was completed marking the successful upgrade for the entire NEXRAD network.
Jacksonville’s radar site was refurbished over two weeks in March 2022. Components over 25 years old were replaced, including the critical pedestal that keeps the antenna rotating in all directions to capture data.
The new components are designed to keep the radar functioning for another 20 years or more until the next planned overhaul of the Radar Next Program goes into operation by 2035 and beyond.
Terry Clark, director of the Radar Operations Center, highlighted the benefits of the upgrade: “We have enhanced our radar network by removing outdated components and investing in new technology. This has led to reduced life-cycle costs due to lower maintenance needs and a significant reduction in parts replacement by approximately 50% since 2018. Additionally, we are maintaining a high level of radar availability, reversing a previous downward trend.”
The SLEP project was completed on time and under budget, with five major components receiving upgrades:
- Digital Signal Processor Refresh: Modernized computer equipment now controls and processes radar data more efficiently.
- Transmitter Refresh: Redesigned transmitter components and new infrastructure wiring to improve system reliability and maintainability.
- Pedestal Refurbishment: All moving parts of the radar pedestal, responsible for rotating the radar dish, were inspected, repaired, or replaced.
- Equipment Shelter Refurbishment: Shelters housing radar and generator equipment were updated with new paint, seals, and doors as needed.
- New Generators: Emergency generators, essential for maintaining radar operation during power outages, were replaced to meet EPA guidelines and address obsolescence issues.
The National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration have invested $150 million in this eight-year program.