A weather radar that was significantly damaged by lightning near Hokitika earlier this year is officially back online, MetService says.
The radar tower – located north of the Hokitika River – was offline after a 156,000 amp bolt hit the area in September, destroying the weatherproof cover protecting the radar and overwhelming the site's grounding systems.
MetService previously said the facility would be out for an "extended period" as repairs were carried out.
Today, a MetService spokesperson said the replacement dome from overseas was now installed.
"Our radar technicians have given everything the final tick of approval."
Last week, favourable weather conditions with minimal wind allowed the team to lift the new fully waterproof and operational fibreglass dome into place.
The work was carried out by MetService radar technicians in collaboration with Acme Engineering and Evans Jones Crane Hire.
"A huge thank you to all West Coasters for your patience and understanding while our engineering team worked hard to get this essential piece of weather infrastructure up and running again."
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