The National Weather Service (NWS) in Amarillo, Texas, has launched a scheduled software upgrade to its weather processing system, which will temporarily affect NOAA Weather Radio services across the Texas Panhandle. The upgrade began today, June 16, and is expected to last until Wednesday, June 18.
Affected Areas and Services
According to NWS Amarillo, while routine forecast operations will continue as usual, the NOAA Weather Radio transmitters maintained by the Amarillo office will experience extended outages during this time. The affected areas include Amarillo (WXX38), Dalhart (WWG50), Guymon (KJY96), Miami (WNG713), Perryton (KJY88), Stinnett (KXI88), and Stratford (WWQ51).
Alternative Methods for Weather Alerts
Officials have advised those who rely on NOAA Weather Radio for critical weather updates to use alternative sources of information, such as local television stations, cell phone weather apps, and wireless emergency alerts. Backup forecast offices are on standby to assist in case of service disruptions, ensuring that the public remains informed during the system upgrade.
Importance of Multiple Alert Methods
Although there has been no hazardous weather forecasted at the time of the announcement, the NWS stressed the importance of having multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially during the ongoing severe weather season. The NWS highlighted that having backup sources of weather information is essential in case any warnings are issued during the outage period.
The NOAA Weather Radio outages across the Texas Panhandle are due to a scheduled software upgrade by the Amarillo NWS office. While regular weather updates and forecasts will remain available through the website and social media channels, residents are urged to rely on alternative weather alert methods until the upgrade is completed.
