KEVX Radar - Service Life Extension Program
2023 Significant Downtime
Beginning on May 8th, 2023, the KEVX WSR-88D radar operated by the National Weather Service Mobile/Pensacola Office in coordination with Eglin Air Force Base will be down for approximately 2 weeks for the replacement of the radar pedestal. The radar pedestal is one of the most critical components of the radar, which is necessary for antenna rotation and position to capture data in all directions. The components are extremely heavy and will require the radome to be removed by crane and then replaced by crane when the work is completed. Note that once this project begins, the radar cannot be turned on until the work is complete. Work on the KEVX Radar should be completed by May 22nd, 2023.
This work is part 4 of 4 major upgrades, known as the SLEP or Service Life Extension Program, that has taken place over the past several years. This program will replace and refurbish major components of the 20+ year old WSR-88D and will keep the radar operational into the 2030s. The National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $150 million in this eight-year program.
For more information on the Service Life Extension Program and upcoming radar downtime schedules, please refer to the NWS Radar Operations Center WSR-88D SLEP webpage.
More Information:
What happens if there is hazardous weather during this significant radar downtime? Meteorologists at the NWS Mobile/Pensacola Office will use the adjacent radar sites (listed below) in addition to GOES-16 satellite imagery, and observational data to provide accurate and timely warnings, when/if necessary.
During this downtime, radar coverage will be available from adjacent National Weather Service and Department of Defense radar sites:
During this downtime, satellite data will also be available on the GOES Image Viewer.
What will this pedestal removal process look like? Here are a few examples from NWS Mobile, AL (KMOB) during the SLEP upgrades...
The WSR-88D is part of a network of 159 operational radars across the United States, its territories, and select overseas locations. The NWS Radar Operations Center in Norman, OK provides lifetime management and support for all WSR-88Ds, including the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). If you want to learn more about the WSR-88D network of radars, check out the NWS Jetstream webpage dedicated to radars.
For general questions or media inquiries, please contact:
Meteorologist In Charge, Jason Beaman (251-633-6443 ext. 222)
Warning Coordination Meteorologist, Jessica Chace (251-633-6443 ext. 223)
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