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.”
Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
February 02, 2026 12:04 PM
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Jim Matheson, CEO of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, provides new updates on winter storm impacts and the outlook for rural power reliability.
January 30, 2026 02:59 PM
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Jessi Grote from the AgriSafe Network provides winter safety guidance for rural communities still recovering from the recent winter storm.
January 30, 2026 01:42 PM
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The changing political climate in America is leading to a drop in migrant crossings near the U.S.-Mexico border, where ranchers like Dr. Mike Vickers say they witnessed horrors from death to child trafficking.
January 30, 2026 11:47 AM
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A rapidly intensifying winter storm is expected to develop into a bomb cyclone this weekend, affecting the Southeast, southern Virginia, and potentially parts of the mid‑Atlantic and New England.
January 30, 2026 10:52 AM
Brent Graves of StockShowAuctions.com takes us to Grayson County to see the damage from a historic winter ice storm and what it will take to rebuild.
January 30, 2026 09:32 AM
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Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
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Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
January 28, 2026 12:27 PM
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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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