Improved Forecasting Methods Could Save Future Lives
April 5, 2007, On the afternoon of April 7, 2006, Gallatin was hit by Middle Tennessee’s deadliest single tornado since 1974. The twister with winds of more than 200 mph cut a devastating path through the county. When it ended, 700 properties were damaged or destroyed, more than 100 people were injured, and eight lost their lives.
In just twenty minutes, the tornado made an impact that will last a lifetime. Some who have repaired their properties are left with frightening memories and counted blessings. Others are still rebuilding their homes and businesses. And for those who lost loved ones, life will never be the same.
Each year, severe weather events across the country cause 7,000 fatalities and $11 billion in damages. In Sumner County alone, damages from that one tornado totaled $69 million.
I’m working as Chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee to help ensure we have the best forecasting methods possible to protect property and save lives. The committee oversees work at the National Weather Service and at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which provides data and forecasts for tornadoes, hurricanes, droughts, floods, and other weather and water cycle events.
The fiscal year 2008 budget request invests more than $11 million in programs aimed at increasing predictive capability. Because of new technologies developed through years of tornado research by NOAA scientists, the National Severe Storms Laboratory and other NOAA research laboratories have helped to develop some of the primary tools used by the National Weather Service. These tools include radar systems that show patterns and movement of weather conditions, as well as software that enables forecasters to prepare accurate and adequate forecasts and warnings.
Timely warnings are critical to saving lives during a storm. Having a NOAA Public Alert Radio at home is the best means to receive the latest warnings from the National Weather Service. The radios operate 24 hours a day sounding an alarm to provide alerts for hazardous weather conditions and other national or local emergencies, even when other means of communication are disabled. Congress provided funding for last year’s distribution of NOAA Public Alert Radios to 97,000 public schools in the nation, including 1,700 schools in Tennessee.
I will continue to work in Congress to fund advanced research to improve lead time on storm predictions. This, combined with careful planning in each and every Middle Tennessee school and home, can help save lives if a disaster strikes in the future.
