Bill Overview
Title: TORNADO Act
Description: This bill establishes programs and activities to improve the forecasting of hazardous weather and water events, including tornadoes. The bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to maintain and improve the system by which the risks of hazardous weather and water events are communicated to the general public, with the goal of informing action and encouraging response to prevent loss of life and property. NOAA shall also maintain a hazard risk communication office; establish or maintain a research program to modernize the creation and communication of risk-based, statistically reliable, probabilistic hazard information to inform effective responses to hazardous weather and water events; establish a pilot program for tornado hazard communication to test the effectiveness of the implementation of the research conducted pursuant to this bill; submit to Congress a strategic plan for developing and prioritizing the implementation of high-resolution probabilistic forecast guidance for hazardous weather and water events using a next-generation weather forecast and warning framework; perform one or more post-storm surveys and assessments following each hazardous weather or water event that is of sufficient societal importance; update, if necessary, the system for rating tornado severity; and maintain the Vortex USA tornado research program. The Government Accountability Office shall submit a report that examines the information technology infrastructure of the National Weather Service.
Sponsors: Sen. Wicker, Roger F. [R-MS]
Target Audience
Population: People living in regions prone to tornadoes and hazardous weather events
Estimated Size: 130000000
- The bill targets the improvement of forecasting hazardous weather and tornadoes, which can affect any area prone to such weather phenomena.
- NOAA's role in communicating risks implies the primary target is the general population at risk from tornadoes and hazardous weather conditions.
- The frequency of tornadoes and hazardous weather events is higher in certain regions, particularly the United States.
- The bill includes actions like maintaining hazard risk communication, which focuses on communities living in tornado-prone areas especially in the United States.
- Updating the tornado severity rating system suggests benefits for improving local response and safety measures worldwide.
Reasoning
- The target population for the TORNADO Act includes regions frequently affected by tornadoes, such as 'Tornado Alley', comprising parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and other neighboring areas.
- The policy aims to enhance warning systems and risk communication, which could significantly benefit residents in these areas by reducing property damage, injury, and fatalities during tornado events.
- Although many individuals are indirectly affected through federal investments and resource allocation, direct impacts will be most significant for those living in the most tornado-prone regions.
- The general public may experience indirect benefits through improved weather communication technologies, but these effects might not be as pronounced immediately compared to those living in high-risk areas.
- The $100 million budget in the first year suggests the policy can comprehensively establish research and communication frameworks but may require more targeted efforts to ensure maximum impact across diverse geographic and socioeconomic groups.
Simulated Interviews
School Teacher (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support any policy that improves tornado forecasting and communication.
- It was terrifying during the last tornado when the warnings were unclear. I hope these changes make a difference.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Farmer (Dodge City, Kansas)
Age: 38 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tornadoes can destroy a whole year's worth of hard work in a few minutes.
- Anything that can better prepare us for such calamities is beneficial. I'm hopeful about these changes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Software Engineer (Brooklyn, New York)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved weather forecasts are always good, but tornadoes aren't a big concern here.
- I appreciate advancements in technology, although it doesn't directly affect me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retired Meteorologist (Tulsa, Oklahoma)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill is crucial for improving public safety in tornado-affected areas.
- I believe enhanced communication and technology initiatives can truly save lives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Startup Founder (Austin, Texas)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While we're not in the direct path of many tornadoes, better forecasting could reduce economic disruptions.
- I hope this program maximizes the utility of modern tech to aid not just communication but also resilience planning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Emergency Manager (Jackson, Mississippi)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's crucial to get accurate and timely weather updates for proper emergency response.
- I fully support this policy as it addresses significant gaps in current weather communication.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Consultant (San Francisco, California)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Tornado forecasting improvements are much needed, despite not affecting me directly anymore.
- These initiatives might not impact me now but are critical for friends and family back in Kansas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Insurance Adjuster (Wichita, Kansas)
Age: 49 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better forecasts mean better preparedness. This is directly linked to my work.
- I think the policy will provide a better safety net through improved forecasting abilities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Nurse (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While tornadoes aren't as frequent here, severe weather forecasting is still very much relevant.
- I'm hopeful that improved systems will offer better protection and warnings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Storm Chaser (Norman, Oklahoma)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The upgrades this policy proposes are essential for the scientific community as well as public safety.
- I'm excited about the potential for even more accurate data and what it means for our research and safety.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Year 2: $102000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $122000000)
Year 3: $104040000 (Low: $80000000, High: $124040000)
Year 5: $108244800 (Low: $90000000, High: $130244800)
Year 10: $118882054 (Low: $90000000, High: $140882054)
Year 100: $145593370 (Low: $110000000, High: $170593370)
Key Considerations
- The program's effectiveness hinges on the successful update and maintenance of technological systems, which can face delays and budget increases.
- Coordination between NOAA, the National Weather Service, and other research entities will be crucial in achieving the program goals.