Update on Birmingham NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter Outage

Yesterday, Brian posted about the Birmingham NOAA Weather Radio Transmitter being off the air. Today we received an update from Jim Stefkovich, the Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service in Birmingham. Jim believes it is important for everyone to know about the situation, and has asked all media partners spread the word on the issue. Here is the latest information on this situation.

Initial issues with the Birmingham NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) transmitter occurred during the late afternoon on Saturday 4/19. Technicians determined on 4/20 that equipment on the tower, as well as cable from the transmitter to the antenna needed to be replaced. There are limited personnel available to make repairs and certified to make the approximate 450 foot climb on the antenna. We have received estimates that the transmitter may not be repaired until on or around 5/3.

They have provided a link to allow people the opportunity to switch transmitter sites and determine if they can in fact pick up broadcasts from surrounding transmitters. Map of nearby transmitters.

The last NWR weekly test occurred on 4/19. For some NWR receivers, if a weekly test does not occur within 10 days, the receiver will begin to beep constantly. This means that if not repaired by 4/29-30, these receivers will begin to beep until a weekly test is performed. It is their intention to perform a weekly test immediately if the outage lasts this long.

Category: Alabama's Weather, Hodgepodge, Severe Weather