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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.

 

ROGER WICKER: Key Bills Would Provide Better Tornado, Flood Warning Systems
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Tornado season came abruptly last week as heavy storms swept through
Mississippi, taking down trees and power lines across our state. More than
19,000 power outages were reported in Mississippi. Campuses like Mississippi
State University and Holmes Community College suffered wind damage. Thankfully,
no lives were lost in our state. Yet these storms were another stark reminder
that early and accurate forecasting is critical to saving lives.

Throughout my time in Congress, I have pushed for a wide range of legislation
to improve weather forecasting, harden our infrastructure, and help homeowners
who have suffered property damage from storms and floods. As the lead
Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee, I am continuing to advance
proposals that will help protect our communities from extreme weather.

Tornado Act Advances in Senate

Tornado alerts can make all the difference in preparing for a storm. These
alerts typically provide only 10 to 15 minutes of advance warning, but experts
believe new advances could create up to an hour of lead time for residents to
find shelter. Recently, I introduced the TORNADO Act to move us closer toward
that goal. This bill would push the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration to begin using storm models that can predict a tornado’s path
rather than relying solely on radar detection. It would also require the agency
to update its computer systems to avoid notification delays, which occurred
last December when deadly tornadoes hit Iowa.

Given the constant threat of tornadoes, this legislation cannot come soon
enough. I am pleased that the Commerce Committee approved the bill last week,
sending it to the full Senate for consideration.

Flood Legislation Gains Momentum

Forecasts are also critical in protecting against hurricanes and floods. In
recent years, new technology has made it possible to predict the intensity of
storms off the coast using underwater drones. In 2018, I authored legislation
to help coordinate efforts between federal agencies, the Navy, and private
researchers to make the most out of these technologies. President Trump signed
the bill into law, and we are now receiving better forecasts as a result. More
recently, I authored the FLOODS Act to enhance the way we collect rainfall
data, which should lead to more timely and accurate flood predictions. This
bill has passed the Senate, and I am hopeful the House will take it up soon.

Even with earlier warnings, extreme weather events will continue to pose a
risk to life and property. I have led efforts in Congress to provide
compensation to hurricane and flood victims, and I will continue to support
reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program.

Better Infrastructure Will Make Us Safer

Infrastructure projects have played a key role in mitigating storm damage and
saving lives. The recent investments we have made in our levees, flood walls,
and drainage systems have prevented a disastrous repeat of Hurricane Katrina.
But we are still in need of greater protection.

Last summer, I supported the bipartisan infrastructure package, which will
provide the most significant investment in our physical infrastructure in a
generation. This legislation provides targeted funding for Army Corps of
Engineers projects, such as the Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries system, as
well as coastal emergencies and inland flood mitigation projects. It will also
upgrade our electric grid so that fewer homes lose power because of extreme
weather. Even as we continue to improve forecasting, these strategic
investments in infrastructure will help minimize future damage to our
communities.

 

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Thank you for your support,

Senator Roger Wicker

 

 

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