TORNADO Act
Sponsored By: Senator Roger Wicker
In Committee
Summary
Improve NOAA's hazardous weather communication and tornado forecasting. This bill would create a Hazard Risk Communication Office to simplify public warnings, require a WARN-ON-FORECAST strategic plan, modernize communication systems, expand tornado research, and mandate post-storm assessments to improve how people receive and act on severe weather information.
Show full summary
- Families and communities: Households would receive clearer, more timely warnings and faster public post-storm data to guide response and recovery.
- Emergency managers and NOAA operations: Emergency managers would get a WARN-ON-FORECAST strategic plan within one year that prioritizes high-resolution probabilistic forecasts, better observations, and coordinated public messaging.
- Researchers and minority-serving institutions: The bill codifies and expands VORTEX-USA research on tornado formation and warning delivery and authorizes targeted grants that prioritize minority-serving institutions.
*Would authorize about $11.0 million per year for 2025–2032, roughly $88.0 million in authorizations, including at least $2.0 million annually for grants.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Clearer national hazard communications
If enacted, NOAA would create a Hazard Risk Communication Office to make warnings clearer and more consistent. The office would set standard words, create best practices, and track communication metrics. NOAA would keep a public data repository and test ways to stop online tampering, like digital watermarks. The bill would also fund research and a pilot program with eligible colleges to improve probabilistic hazard messaging.
New funding for tornado research
If enacted, the VORTEX-USA program would be funded and refocused on tornado forecasts and warnings. The bill authorizes $11 million per year for fiscal years 2025 through 2032. At least $2 million each year must fund research grants, which may be prioritized for minority-serving institutions.
Plan for high-resolution tornado forecasts
If enacted, the Under Secretary would deliver a WARN-ON-FORECAST strategic plan within one year. The plan would set priorities for high-resolution probabilistic forecasts, computing needs, radars, satellites, and use of drones. It would include clear public messaging guidance and consider vulnerable populations. The bill would also require NOAA to review and update the tornado rating system if changes are needed.
Post-storm surveys and staff support
If enacted, NOAA would conduct coordinated post-storm surveys after societally important hazardous events. The agency would share survey data publicly as soon as practicable and expand community impact studies. NOAA would also study drone use for assessments and provide training and counseling to support staff mental health.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Roger Wicker
MS • R
Cosponsors
Cindy Hyde-Smith
MS • R
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Chuck Grassley
IA • R
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Jerry Moran
KS • R
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Tim Sheehy
MT • R
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Todd Young
IN • R
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Ted Cruz
TX • R
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Gary Peters
MI • D
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Raphael Warnock
GA • D
Sponsored 1/27/2025
Marsha Blackburn
TN • R
Sponsored 1/30/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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