NW Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, has joined Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) to introduce the NOAA Weather Modernization Act. The bill aims to update weather radio equipment to improve emergency communications during severe weather and expand access to critical warnings across the country. The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.).

Senator Moran stated, “Recent severe weather across the country is a grave reminder of the need for a modernized emergency weather alert system. This legislation would improve alert systems in rural parts of the country with limited access to mobile broadband service, emergency warning systems or satellite coverage. It incorporates part of my legislation, the FORECAST Act, to protect critical National Weather Service employees from federal hiring freezes. It is essential that weather forecasting offices in every corner of the nation remain staffed so Kansans and all Americans have access to accurate, life-saving, 24/7 forecasting coverage.”

Senator Cruz added, “The flooding in Central Texas has been absolutely heartbreaking, and we continue to lift up all those affected in prayer. Texans are strong and resourceful, but when disaster is about to strike, there has to be multiple, reliable ways to notify those who are in harm’s way. While the Hill Country flood investigation continues, we do know that some people did not receive the warnings because of a lack of cell phone coverage. I am grateful to join Ranking Member Cantwell in introducing this legislation to modernize early warning systems and ensure that every American, especially those in areas with poor or no cellular service, aren’t kept in the dark when it matters the most. This legislation is about protecting our communities and saving lives, and I urge Congress to pass it quickly.”

The proposed act seeks several changes: expanding coverage for regions without adequate cellular service; amplifying non-weather emergency messages; adding more transmitters where cell service or broadband is weak or unavailable; and instructing the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop standards for flash flood alerts within high-risk flood zones.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operates over 750 NOAA Weather Radio stations using more than 1,000 transmitters nationwide. These stations broadcast weather updates and local hazard information from nearby National Weather Service offices. Many local news outlets recommend including NOAA Weather Radio as part of household emergency plans.

In many rural or remote areas where internet or cell coverage is unreliable or absent, radio remains a primary source for receiving hazard warnings. NOAA Weather Radios are available at low cost—sometimes as little as $10—and can function during power outages that may disrupt other forms of communication.