Granger weather radar to be down beginning November 29

The KGRK WSR-88D radar, operated in Granger by the National Weather Service, will be down for approximately seven days beginning November 29.

Meteorologist Tom Bradshaw said the shutdown is necessary to replace the station’s 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,” Mr. Bradshaw said. “This generator update is one of five major projects of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades and replacements that will keep our nation’s radars viable into the 2030s.”

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service, the United States Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $150 million in the seven-year program, he said.

The first project was the installation of the new signal processor and the second transmitter refurbishment. The third is refurbishment of the pedestal.

This project is the final step in the Service Life Extension Program, which will be complete in 2023.

During the downtime, adjacent weather radars helping cover the area include KEWX, KFWS, KHGX, KDYX and KSHV.

For direct access to any of these surrounding radar sites, go to https://radar.weather.gov.

A single radar site can be viewed by going to the “Select View” menu option then clicking on “Local Radar” to select a single radar site.

The KGRK 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. For a radar mosaic loop, go to https://radar.weather.gov.