Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors; Procedure
The RADAR was released to airway facilities. Both of the supervisors on duty refused to release the RADAR due to traffic volume and approaching weather. The first few aircraft that I worked deviated 20-25 miles north and south to avoid thunderstorm activity. I was unable to provide any assistance because of the RADAR outage. This was one of the most potentially disastrous situations I've encountered in 20 years and was completely avoidable. It is my understanding that because we had people here on per diem to work on the RADAR; the facility manager released the RADAR to airway facilities. When the supervisor on duty evaluates the current conditions; the release determinations should be binding.
TRACON Controller voiced concern regarding the facility managers decision to release the RADAR equipment to maintenance during weather deviation operations contrary to the denial of the floor supervisors.