Hi-tech radar upgrade to boost North-west Tasmania weather forecasts

06/04/2016

The West Takone weather watch radar has today been replaced with a new, state-of the-art radar that provides more frequent, more detailed rainfall images and Doppler wind data.

The radar's images are almost twice as frequent and now arrive every six minutes.

The radar will provide uninterrupted 24 hour weather watch coverage to the North-west Tasmania region and, in the wake of this summer's bushfires, the service upgrade is a boost to Tasmania's weather observation technology.

With increased data frequency, and Doppler capability to provide wind information, the radar's upgraded services will help forecasters to more accurately detect and monitor severe weather events and give emergency services critical information.

The new radar will provide improved information, not just for local communities, but for the mining and agricultural sectors in North-west Tasmania also.

The radar is located at Loones Hill, West Takone — the same site as the previous radar.

Note to media: High quality images of the radar are available. Please contact the National Media Team on 03 9669 4057.