Summary

Requires the NOAA tornado warning improvement program to expand its goals and prioritize development of new, innovative tornado forecasts, predictions, and warnings. The added focus areas include fast-developing storm systems (for example, derechos), places that historically haven’t seen tornadoes, and tornadoes that occur in the evening or at night. This change directs the Under Secretary responsible for the program to ensure research and operational work target these specific challenges, using the existing program structure rather than creating new agencies or explicit new funding in the text provided.

• Adds an explicit requirement that the tornado warning improvement program pursue innovative forecasts and warnings for fast-developing storms like derechos.
• Directs attention to improving tornado prediction and warning in areas that historically have not had tornadoes.
• Requires a focus on evening and nighttime tornadoes, which are harder to detect and warn for.
• Changes the program’s stated goals by adding a new, explicit directive without specifying new funding.
• Implementation responsibility is placed on the Under Secretary who oversees the existing NOAA program.
• The change is an amendment to existing weather research law and operates within current program structures.
• Aims to improve public safety by guiding research and operational priorities toward gaps in current forecasting and warning capabilities.