WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — The radar at the Wichita branch of the National Weather Service was off much of last week because of repairs.
Rich Fallin, an electronics technician for the weather service, says large hail that fell in Wichita in 2010 damaged several panels on the dome that protects the radar. A maintenance crew began replacing 13 damaged panels and also found that five more needed to be replaced.
The Wichita Eagle reports the radar returned to service Thursday afternoon, but will have to be taken offline again when the weather cooperates and the additional replacement panels are available.
Meteorologist Robb Lawson says when the Wichita radar is off-duty, radars in Dodge City, Topeka and Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma can provide coverage for the Wichita area.