Atmospheric Rivers Reconnaissance, Observation, and Warning Act ARROW Act
Impact
The proposed legislation is crucial for state laws relating to disaster preparedness and response. By improving the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts, state and local authorities will be better positioned to make informed decisions regarding water management, infrastructure maintenance, and emergency preparedness, particularly during peak seasons when atmospheric rivers are most active. This strategy aligns with the National Winter Season Operations Plan, enhancing federal coordination in weather-related response efforts.
Summary
SB2203, known as the Atmospheric Rivers Reconnaissance, Observation, and Warning Act or ARROW Act, aims to enhance the United States' ability to monitor and forecast atmospheric rivers along the West Coast. These atmospheric rivers are significant weather phenomena that substantially contribute to precipitation and flooding in the region. The bill mandates the conduct of winter-season reconnaissance missions, utilizing the resources of the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron of the Air Force Reserve Command in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to improve data collection and forecasting accuracy regarding these storms.
Contention
Debate surrounding SB2203 centers on the necessity of increased federal oversight versus local autonomy in weather management. Proponents argue that a unified federal approach can lead to better resource allocation and preparedness for natural disasters that heavily impact states like California and those along the West Coast. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the implications of federal funding and potential bureaucratic inefficiencies, suggesting that states might be more effective in addressing specific local needs if granted more autonomy.
Notable_points
The bill emphasizes that atmospheric rivers account for significant portions of annual precipitation and major flood events in the western United States, highlighting their critical role in weather dynamics. The need for enhanced storm observations and immediate response capabilities during winter months is underscored, advocating for the necessity of sustained reconnaissance missions to mitigate risks associated with severe weather. This legislation also reflects a growing acknowledgment of the impacts of climate change on weather patterns and the importance of data in driving effective policy solutions.
Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts ActThis bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement program.In carrying out the program, NOAA must seek to reduce loss of life and property and other economic losses caused by atmospheric river events through research and development on accurate, effective, and actionable forecasting and warnings. The program must generally involve the establishment of quantitative atmospheric river forecast skill metrics, the development of an atmospheric river forecast system within a unified forecast system, and the development of tools and products to predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river landfalls and inland penetration, among other activities. The program must periodically test and evaluate the value of incorporating innovative observations (e.g., observations from radar, aircraft, ocean buoys, and other sources) to facilitate the improvement of modeling and forecasting. The program must also consider the development of best practices for communicating the existence and severity of atmospheric river events, as well as other information about atmospheric rivers. The program may seek to improve precipitation modeling, with an emphasis on forecasting for complex terrain. The bill also requires NOAA to acquire and sustain adequate crewed and uncrewed aircraft (i.e., drones), equipment, and personnel necessary to meet air reconnaissance mission requirements annually during the expected atmospheric river season (November through March).
A bill to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather research, support improvements in weather forecasting and prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision of weather data, and for other purposes.
Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts ActThis bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement program.In carrying out the program, NOAA must seek to reduce loss of life and property and other economic losses caused by atmospheric river events through research and development on accurate, effective, and actionable forecasting and warnings. The program must generally involve the establishment of quantitative atmospheric river forecast skill metrics, the development of an atmospheric river forecast system within a unified forecast system, and the development of tools and products to predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river landfalls and inland penetration, among other activities. The program must periodically test and evaluate the value of incorporating innovative observations (e.g., observations from radar, aircraft, ocean buoys, and other sources) to facilitate the improvement of modeling and forecasting. The program must also consider the development of best practices for communicating the existence and severity of atmospheric river events, as well as other information about atmospheric rivers. The program may seek to improve precipitation modeling, with an emphasis on forecasting for complex terrain. The bill also requires NOAA to acquire and sustain adequate crewed and uncrewed aircraft (i.e., drones), equipment, and personnel necessary to meet air reconnaissance mission requirements annually during the expected atmospheric river season (November through March).