Measure seeks to enhance hazardous weather forecasting

A group of lawmakers recently reintroduced legislation seeking to improve hazardous weather forecasting that includes tornadoes.

U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ted Cruz (R-TX) recently joined seven colleagues in detailing the Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act (S. 1284), which requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement new technology and procedures to potentially increase the lead times provided to the public in advance of extreme weather events.

“Even when tornadoes are well-forecasted, warnings do not always provide enough lead time to ensure the public can respond or seek appropriate shelter,” Wicker said. “The federal government has a vested interest in making sure Americans have as much notice as possible of severe weather. The TORNADO Act would improve the forecasting and understanding of these natural disasters so we can prevent future loss of life and property.”

Bill provisions include requiring NOAA to prepare and submit an action plan for the national implementation of high-resolution probabilistic guidance for tornado forecasting and prediction, encouraging NOAA to evaluate the current tornado rating system and make updates, and requiring NOAA to coordinate with appropriate entities when conducting post-storm assessments to optimize data collection, sharing, and integration.

“Tornados regularly threaten the lives and homes of Texans and others in Tornado Alley,” Cruz said. “I am proud to join my colleagues in an effort to use innovations in technology to identify and respond to these deadly, destructive storms with greater speed and efficiency.”