Majority Statement

• Chairman John Thune
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  Majority Statement

  Chairman John Thune

   "Increased computing capacity, better models, and more observations have all contributed to dramatic improvements in weather forecasting. Weather forecasts are no longer just a best guess, but are reliable enough that emergency managers can pre-position assets before major storms and school administrators may cancel classes before the snow even starts, sometimes to the chagrin of parents.
   
  "The private sector also uses improved weather forecasts to run businesses more efficiently.  Decisions about when to apply fertilizer or how much to water a field can be informed by accurate forecasts. In addition, as our witness today from Schneider Electric can tell us, better forecasts can be integrated with smart thermostats to help homeowners and businesses save energy and money.
   
  "Of course, even with these advances, predicting weather across the country can still present a challenge for even our best meteorologists.  This is certainly true in my home state of South Dakota, where Rapid City earned the distinction of having the “least predictable” weather in the nation this year.  And Spearfish holds the ultimate weather bragging rights.  On January 22, 1943, the temperature was negative four degrees at 7:30 in the morning.  Two minutes later, the temperature had climbed to 45 degrees. After briefly hitting a balmy high of 54 degrees, the temperature dropped back down to negative four, all in less than a two hour time span.

  "Another issue faced by South Dakotans, and many Americans, is drought.  While we cannot avoid droughts, better forecasts about when we are heading into persistent dry, or wet, periods can help people make decisions that may reduce the extent of the resulting economic damages.

  "As we consider ways to continue improvements in forecasting, we should also examine how those forecasts are communicated.  This is especially true for extreme weather warnings, when there is no time for mistakes.  Advance warnings can save countless lives, but tragically people still die even when the forecasts are accurate. Research shows that certain wordings create more effective warnings.  In light of this research, I believe it is time for the National Weather Service to re-evaluate how it issues warnings for severe weather.

  "In the coming weeks, I plan to introduce bipartisan weather legislation.  It will focus on improving seasonal predictions so individuals, government, and businesses can make more informed decisions. It will also seek to improve our severe weather warning system, so that additional lives can be saved.  This legislation could also improve the “research to operations” pipeline, create a more effective National Weather Service, and enhance satellite governance. 

  "As this Committee evaluates opportunities to improve weather modeling and forecasts, and the way we communicate about weather events, I look forward to working with my colleagues and stakeholders in the weather community."

Minority Statement

• Ranking Member Bill Nelson
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  Minority Statement

  Ranking Member Bill Nelson

  Thank you, Chairman Thune, for calling this hearing today.

  Devastating events such as Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Hurricane Katrina ten years ago and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 provide stark reminders that the weather is much more than just a topic of casual conversation.

  Keeping the public informed of the risks posed by hazardous weather is critical to protecting lives, property and infrastructure.

  The National Weather Service performs an invaluable service by providing essential weather, water and climate forecasts and warnings.

  I would also be remiss if I did not mention the role NASA plays in building and launching satellites and next generation instruments that give our forecasters invaluable weather data. This important partnership between NASA and NOAA is what brings us the data.

  But these agencies cannot do it alone.

  Emergency managers, local officials, television meteorologists and private companies all help disseminate weather information on a daily basis.

  Accurate forecasts are not only important for day-to-day decision-making, but they are also important for business decisions.

  For example, one study suggests that peanut farmers in south Georgia and north Florida can increase their crop yield and decrease fertilizer if they have better temperature and precipitation outlooks for the growing season before they plant their crops.

  During El Nino years, farmers should plant peanuts later in the season—and during La Nina years, they should plant sooner.

  The science is almost ready to be able to give us more precise seasonal forecasts.

  Right now, shorter-term “weather” forecasts can give us a fairly accurate picture of the next two weeks. And long-term “climate” outlooks can give us the likely temperature and precipitation information from about a month to about a year.

  By continuing to invest in the science of our oceans, the climate and the weather, I believe we can close the gap between two-week weather forecasts and one-month climate outlooks.

  The sooner and more accurately that we can warn schools, nursing homes and hospitals that the “big one” is on the way, the more prepared and resilient our communities will be.

  Let me give you some examples of the benefits of improved weather forecasts.

  In Florida, recurrent flooding is a major issue. At high tide, ocean water routinely covers the streets of Miami Beach.

  Studies suggest that as little as one hour of lead time can result in a 10 percent reduction in flood damages, yielding benefits of $243 million annually.

  The newest generation of Doppler radars—called NEXRAD—enables meteorologists to detect the formation of tornadoes before they touch down—reducing deaths by 34 percent and injuries by 45 percent.

  And by concerted federal investment, the hurricane forecast has improved by 20 percent since 2008. This remarkable advance in accuracy and precision will absolutely save lives and property.

  I want to welcome each of our witnesses here today. I especially want to thank Don Hermey for traveling from my home state to give us some insight on how he helps prepare residents of Manatee County for extreme weather.

  I look forward to hearing all their testimony on how we can go even further in optimizing weather products and more effectively communicate to end-user communities.

  Thank you.

Testimony

• Dr. Jay Trobec

  Chief Meteorologist

  KELO - TV
  Download Testimony (111.02 KB)

• Mr. Ron Sznaider

  Vice President, Cloud Services - Weather

  Schneider Electric
  Download Testimony (262.81 KB)

• Dr. Kim Klockow

  Postdoctoral Researcher

  University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
  Download Testimony (1016.75 KB)

• Mr. Don Hermey

  Chief of Emergency Management

  Manatee County, Bradenton, Florida
  Download Testimony (232.07 KB)