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.”
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