The EF-3 tornado that struck portions of Davidson County, Tennessee last Tuesday morning is having an effect on some area radar data.
Paducah NWS Warning Coordination Meteorologist Rick Shanklin tells the News Edge the tornado knocked out a fiber optic line that serves as a major communication tool for their office. He adds they currently using a backup satellite that is providing some limited data from the Paducah radar, which only allows them to show base reflectivity and velocity on all radar products, including phone apps.
Shanklin notes work is continuing to restring the fiber line across the Cumberland River, but there is no estimated time of restoration. The line reportedly ran parallel to the tornado track and Shanklin attributes that as to why it has taken so long for the service to be restored.
As of Monday afternoon, the Paducah radar was the only one providing any data, with crews working to restore the basic availability on the Fort Campbell and Evansville sites.
