Weather radio to narrow broadcast focus
JUNEAU EMPIRE
New forecast zones will mean changes for weather radio broadcasts in Southeast Alaska.
The increase in land and marine forecast zones will create more weather information for the region. To prevent an information overload on the air, the National Weather Service will focus weather radio broadcasts based on geography and immediacy.
Currently, weather radio broadcasts out of Juneau - which includes transmitters on Mount Robert Barron and at Cape Fanshaw - include seven-day forecasts for Juneau and marine forecasts for the entire region.
Starting Wednesday, Juneau weather forecasts for the next 1-2 days will be repeated throughout the day, while extended forecasts - for three to seven days out - will be played only at selected intervals, from 2 to 3 a.m and p.m., 6 to 7 a.m. and p.m. and 10 to 11 a.m. and p.m.
The scope of marine forecasts will be pared to include inner channels in listening range of the Juneau broadcasts. Forecasts for southern Lynn Canal, Icy Strait, Stephens Passage, northern Chatham Strait and Frederick Sound will be on regular broadcast rotation.
Weather radio broadcasts in other Southeast communities will be similarly tailored to address local concerns.