Paducah's weather radar dome removed during service work

You may have noticed something missing this morning when you drove past the National Weather Service office at Barkley Field.

The iconic radar dome was removed for several hours on Friday morning, so that the pedestal contained inside could be replaced.

The work that began on Monday is part of the Weather Service's $135 million Service Life Extension Program. Similar upgrades have been taking place over 8 years on 159 radar installations across the country.

The radar and pedestal were designed to last 25 years and this radar has exceeded its lifespan. The upgrade is necessary to keep the radar functioning for another 20 years or more.

During the upgrade, Paducah's radar will be out of operation for about two weeks, but forecasters will continue normal work using surrounding radars in Evansville, Fort Campbell, Memphis and St. Louis.