Doppler Radar Resumes Service Ahead of Hurricane Season
Technical group sitting by the main radar computer. From left to right: Cesar Mello, LEONARDO Radar Engineer; Kerry Powery, Chief Meteorological Officer at the Cayman Islands National Weather Service
After essential repairs and maintenance, the Kearney Gomez Doppler radar system is now fully operational and was set to resume active service on Monday 27 May 2024. Premier and Minister responsible for the National Weather Service, Hon. Juliana O' Connor-Connolly said, "This milestone reflects our government's commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of our nation as we approach the hurricane season. The Cayman Islands is adapting a culture of readiness, wherein we are taking frequent inventory of our existing resources and seeking new ones to ensure our country is resilient in weather situations."
The Cayman Islands National Weather Service's (CINWS) doppler radar system is an important tool in tracking storm activity during the Atlantic hurricane season. The radar, located in the interior of East End, can detect moisture and water droplets up to 250 miles away from the Cayman Islands and the encircling sea.
Experts from the German-based company, LEONARDO, worked with the CINWS team on the doppler's recent repairs. LEONARDO, which also installed the radar, is the only entity qualified to provide the level of scientific expertise necessary for the doppler's maintenance.
The doppler's repair also involved a diplomatic partnership with the Barbadian government and the Barbados Weather Service, which assisted in the sourcing and exporting of critical equipment needed for the radar to resume service.
“Working closely with the engineer from LEONARDO, we have meticulously addressed the technical challenges faced by the radar”, said CINWS Technical Manager Michael Carey. "It is immensely gratifying to see our hard work come to fruition, ensuring that our radar system is functional before the hurricane season.”
Mr. Carey's sentiments were echoed by CINWS Director General, John Tibbetts. "We appreciate the public's patience with unforeseen lulls in the radar's service. We remain committed to providing accurate information about our weather and safeguarding our community ahead of natural disasters. Thankfully, we have now reinstated the radar, which serves as our early warning system. This increases our capacity for forecasting, research and accurate reporting in inclement conditions", Director General Tibbetts said.
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