Washington, D.C. - Today, Reps. Randy Weber (TX-14) and Deborah Ross (NC-02) introduced bipartisan legislation to help Americans plan for inclement and severe weather by establishing a program to improve precipitation forecasts, including extreme rainfall and other related weather events. The program will be part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an agency dedicated to providing citizens with reliable weather information.

Recently, heavy precipitation and flooding in Texas and North Carolina has tragically taken many lives and caused extreme destruction. Improving precipitation forecasts is vital to ensuring Americans have accurate weather predictions, especially during extreme weather incidents. The program established by this bill will support research, development, and implementation of Earth System Models (i.e., simulations used to understand and project changes in climate and ecosystems), including those related to extreme weather.

“Southeast Texas knows all too well the destruction that extreme weather can bring,” said Rep. Weber. “Every year, hurricanes and major storms threaten communities across this nation, especially along the Gulf Coast. That’s why this bill is so important. It delivers real, boots-on-the-ground improvements to help families, first responders, and local officials make smart, life-saving decisions ahead of time. Texans and Americans deserve the most accurate, cutting-edge forecasting tools available. We ought to have the most accurate, precise weather forecasting possible, and this bill makes sure we’re taking the right steps to invest in the latest, most advanced tools available.”

"Extreme weather endangers communities across the country, and we need to give Americans the tools to help them plan for and avoid dangerous weather," said Rep. Ross. "From North Carolina to Texas, states are increasingly experiencing devastating storms that cause severe damage and loss of life. This legislation will ensure that every community can prepare for future storms with accurate precipitation forecasts. Thank you to Congressman Weber for joining me in this important effort."

Bill text is available here.