Summary

Directs NOAA’s Under Secretary to strengthen how hazardous weather and water risks are forecasted, communicated, and evaluated. It creates a hazard risk communication office, requires strategic planning for high-resolution probabilistic forecasts, updates tornado rating and forecasting efforts, funds research and grants (including set-asides for minority‑serving institutions), and mandates post‑storm surveys and a GAO review of alert IT. Sets technical and programmatic requirements — including a central data repository, protections for online communications, a tornado pilot program, and mental‑health support for survey staff — and authorizes $11 million per year for a renamed VORTEX‑style research program with at least $2 million annually for competitive grants. It also removes certain prior reporting requirements from older NOAA/weather research laws.

Key Points

• Creates a NOAA hazard risk communication office to improve how forecasts and warnings motivate protective action.
• Requires a strategic plan (within one year) to develop high‑resolution probabilistic forecast guidance and to identify computing and dissemination needs.
• Directs review and possible update of the tornado severity rating system to improve accuracy.
• Mandates post‑storm surveys and public release of results, and expands methods (including uncrewed aerial systems) and community impact studies.
• Renames and refocuses the VORTEX program, authorizes $11M/year for FY2025–2032, and reserves at least $2M/year for competitive research grants (priority may be given to minority‑serving institutions).
• Requires GAO to report on National Weather Service alert IT capabilities and vulnerabilities within 540 days.
• Establishes a central data repository and requires measures to protect the authenticity of online communications (digital watermarking and other protections).
• Emphasizes social‑science research and engagement with vulnerable populations and local partners in forecast and communication design.

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