Amarillo, TX – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Amarillo has launched a scheduled software upgrade to its weather processing system, temporarily impacting NOAA Weather Radio services across the Texas Panhandle.
According to a statement released by NWS Amarillo on Sunday, the system upgrade began today, June 16, and will continue through Wednesday, June 18. While routine forecast operations will remain active with staff on-site, NOAA Weather Radio transmitters maintained by the Amarillo office will be down for extended periods. The outage affects several key locations including Amarillo (WXX38), Dalhart (WWG50), Guymon (KJY96), Miami (WNG713), Perryton (KJY88), Stinnett (KXI88), and Stratford (WWQ51).
Officials advise that those who rely on NOAA Weather Radio for critical alerts and hazardous weather updates should use alternative methods 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.
The upgrade is described as essential maintenance, and while no hazardous weather has been forecast at the time of the announcement, officials stressed the importance of having redundant ways to receive warnings, particularly during severe weather season.
“Having multiple ways to get warning information is preferred anyway, but it will be important this week should we have any warnings,” the post stated.
The NWS apologized for the inconvenience and reiterated that regular forecast updates will still be available through their website and social media channels.
