With the local Doppler radar down, meteorologists have to depend on radars out of Florida and Cuba to pinpoint weather systems over The Bahamas, according to Deputy Director of Meteorology Basil Dean.
The radar has been out of commission since November last year. Asked how the malfunctioning radar is affecting operations, Dean said it has had little effect.
"It's always good to have additional tools on hand, but we do have coverage and that's our contingency plan," he said.
"In the event that our radar is not up we always use as a backup - the Miami and Key West radars as well as the Cuban radars to the south."
One local meteorologist, who asked not to be named, expressed concern that the malfunctioning radar affected the Department of Meteorology's ability to warn residents about the severe weather system over the weekend that resulted in toppled trees and caused extensive roof damage to several homes in southwest New Providence.
However, Dean said warnings were sent out in time, but he admitted that most of the warnings were not for New Providence.
"Warnings went out for the extreme Northwest Bahamas which was Grand Bahama and Bimini at first and they were later sent out elsewhere," Dean said.
He said he expects the radar will be repaired before the start of the hurricane season on June 1.
In the meantime, Dean said the department will continue to do the best it can.
"In the past we had to work without [radars]," he said.
"As forecasters we are trained to analyze various meteorological information and make certain deductions. We also have the computer modules which help us to forecast what's to come and the radar is to supplement in terms of rainfall intensity and what is happening right now."
Severe weather ripped through portions of southeastern New Providence on Sunday morning, tearing down power lines and trees and causing roof damage to some buildings.
Although some residents thought a tornado touched down in their area, Dean said the damage was most likely caused by tropical storm force winds.
He said that in any event, it is hard to predict tornadoes.
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