The National Weather Service (NWS) said that the Automated Environmental Monitoring Network is being cut due to ``budget limitations and the loss of key personnel.'' The network is to be shut down by July 1.
A statement on the NWS website says the system has provided localized weather information to the National Weather Service. It says that the loss of the state-run network ``will be a setback to the quality'' of weather services.
The stations record rainfall, air and soil temperature and other key gauges. Some also record evaporation, water temperature and leaf wetness.
In addition to the one at Gainesville State, there are eight others in northeast Georgia in Watkinsville, Blairsville, Blue Ridge, Rabun County, Ellijay, Dahlonega, Danielsville and Elberton.
(AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this story.)
There are 81 stations in the network, scattered all over Georgia.
Gainesville State College weather station. (File photo)
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/3/236828