Dale Strong

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Monrovia, is pushing for a new weather radar system for north Alabama.

During a National Weather Service Oversight hearing this week, Strong, vice chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, asked about the National Weather Service’s plans to replace the decades-old weather radar system that serves as a lifeline for hazardous weather warnings across north Alabama and the Tennessee Valley.

“For many years, the (Hytop) radar has helped forecasters track storms and provide the data needed for timely warnings in multiple states at the foot of the Cumberland plateau. Unfortunately, due to age and general wear and tear, the radar has at times gone offline for long periods, creating gaps in coverage when people need it most,” Strong said. “As the Radar Next program moves forward, we must ensure that the areas with critical regional coverage, like Hytop and offices with advanced research capabilities such as Huntsville, are prioritized for early investment and deployment.”

The Hytop radar, in Jackson County, provides critical storm-tracking coverage for a multi-state region, Strong said. After more than 25 years in service, it has experienced repeated outages, sometimes during dangerous weather, raising concerns about gaps in life-saving warning capabilities.

Strong praised the effort of the weather forecast office in Huntsville in working to overcome those gaps.

“They work long rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays under enormous pressure. In many cases, forecasters issue warnings about storms that directly impact their communities, their neighbors, and their own families,” the congressman said.

Strong also said Huntsville is in unique position as a national leader in weather research, collaboration, and real-world operations.

“Huntsville weather forecast office is uniquely positioned, working closely with NASA,” he said. “The University of Alabama in Huntsville is turning innovation into operational results in real time. They also utilize critical infrastructure in my district, such as the Hytop NEXRAD radar in Jackson County, Alabama.”