Storm radar taken offline for repair

The doppler radar that monitors for thunderstorms across the Black Hills came offline on Monday for a two-week rebuild project. A storm that brought hail the size of tennis balls and 80 mph wind gusts last month caused serious damage to the dome that impacted up to 80% of the 70 panels on the dome.

The new radome is necessary to protect the radar dish and sensitive electronics. If another thunderstorm hit the radar, the dome could collapse or rain could enter the dome and cause much more serious damage,” said Rapid City Electronics Systems Analyst Pat Baye.

The Rapid City National Weather Serv...