Two weeks after the deadly floods in Texas, Congress is seeking solutions, saying it wants to prevent another weather disaster and is turning to technology for solutions.
Meteorologists testifying before the House Science Committee this week told lawmakers that while forecasts were accurate, more lead time and better communication are still needed — noting that while forecasts and warnings were accurate around the time of the tragedy, they want to do more to increase preparedness, however possible.
Scientists at Texas A&M University found that gaps in rural cell coverage contributed to the disaster. Legislation like The Weather Act, which was reintroduced last month by Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), aims to improve forecasting and response systems.
Dr. John W. Nielson-Gammon, who testified before Congress, supports the legislation and stated that it will enable weather scientists, such as himself, to perform their jobs more effectively.
“Including more precise forecasts and warnings with additional lead time is possible with motor technology improving the communication system,” explained Dr. Nielson-Gammon. “We’ve heard about the lack of technology available in places without cell phone coverage in the area, and making sure that people — the general public, and people responsible for other people, like camp operators and so forth — understand the nature of the risks and how to specifically respond to them. Especially in the middle of the night when you’re not necessarily thinking clearly, you already have plans in place to deal with them.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
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Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening joined us with the latest update on storm conditions and impacts across the state.
January 26, 2026 04:30 PM
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Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.
January 26, 2026 04:00 PM
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Brooks York with AgriSompo joined us with his outlook on crop insurance and risk management following the recent winter storm that tore through most of the United States, including the Midwest.
January 26, 2026 03:30 PM
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A mid-January winter storm delivered snow, ice, and extreme cold to a broad swath of the U.S., disrupting transportation, stressing livestock systems, and adding cost and complexity to winter farm operations as producers look toward spring.
January 26, 2026 01:10 PM
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Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.
January 23, 2026 01:36 PM
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Large Brazilian crops heighten downside price risk if the weather allows production to reach projected levels.
January 22, 2026 12:38 PM
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While row crops are expected to see softer impacts, analysts say severe weather of this magnitude will not be as kind to cattle producers.
January 22, 2026 11:05 AM
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Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
January 14, 2026 02:20 PM
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