From July 27, 2022 post.
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) to modernize the National Weather Service’s (NWS) outdated communications network – NWS Chat – which disseminates critical, time-sensitive information to broadcasters, emergency managers, and the general public during severe weather events. The legislation is led by Rep. Randy Feenstra (IA-04) and co-sponsored by Reps. Ashley Hinson (IA-01) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02).
The National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act would direct the NWS Director to review and select an off-the-shelf commercial alternative to NWS Chat that prioritizes reliability and security.
When a tornado hit Winterset in March, a computer glitch delayed National Weather Service warnings, highlighting the need for multiple, reliable, modern systems to be in place when severe weather happens.
“Iowans know that every second matters during a severe weather event. I’m pleased to see this legislation, which ensures the National Weather Service has the resources it needs to modernize its communications has passed the House,” said Rep. Axne. “This legislation has the potential to save lives and will bring us one step closer to preventing communication issues and ensuring Iowans have the information they need to protect themselves. I appreciated working with Rep. Feenstra and the rest of the Iowa delegation to support this commonsense and important legislation.”
As part of its Integrated Dissemination Program update, NWS has identified several systematic upgrades critical to its emergency communications operation, including the need to replace NWS Chat.
Original source can be found here
