Legislation would modernize weather radio communications

Bipartisan legislation recently re-introduced in the U.S. Senate would modernize weather radio with the goal of enhancing the reliability of emergency communications during severe weather and increasing the accessibility of critical warnings.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) network consists of more than 750 NOAA Weather Radio stations and more than 1000 transmitters. They broadcast weather information from the nearest National Weather Service office and cover the 50 states and all U.S. territories.

In rural areas, cell phone and internet service is lacking and radio is often the primary source of information. Radio also is one of the few reliable options when severe weather events cause power outages.

The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act would provide additional transmitters for areas with weak or nonexistent cell service and broadband coverage; and amplify non-weather emergency messages. It also would direct the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop standards for flash flood emergency alert systems within the 100-year floodplain.

U.S Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Senate Commerce Committee chairman, and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member, introduced the bill. The Senators originally introduced the bill in May 2023.

U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran (R–KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) cosponsored the bill.