Beginning October 1, the KBGM WSR-88D radar, operated by the National Weather Service in Binghamton, NY, will be down for approximately seven days for the replacement of the 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 major project of the NEXRAD Service Life Extension Program, a series of upgrades and replacements that will keep our nation’s radars viable into the 2030s. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the United States Air Force, and the Federal Aviation Administration are investing $150 million in the seven year program.
The first project was the installation of the new signal processor and the second project was the transmitter refurbishment. The two remaining projects are the refurbishment of the pedestal and equipment shelters. The Service Life Extension Program will complete in 2023.
During the downtime, adjacent radars include: Montague, NY (KTYX), Albany, NY (KENX), Buffalo, NY (KBUF), State College, PA (KCCX), Upton, NY (KOKX), and Fort Dix, NJ (KDIX). For direct access to any of these surrounding radar sites, please go to the following web page: https://radar.weather.gov/index.htm.
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