Top New York officials are urging the federal government to step up its efforts to protect residents from tornadoes.
After experiencing the highest number of tornadoes in a single month, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is pushing for increased funding for advanced weather systems.
New York State saw a record 20 tornadoes in July, the most ever recorded in a single month. The previous record was 13 tornadoes, set in 1992.
The recent weather events have prompted Schumer to call for an additional $10 million in federal funding, bringing the total request to $30 million.
This funding aims to improve the nation’s network of weather monitoring systems, known as mesonets.
According to the source, Schumer emphasized the urgency of upgrading weather-tracking technology.
“What we saw in Central NY, the Mohawk Valley, and the North Country this month was like a scene out of the movie ‘Twister’ with a record-setting 20+ tornadoes.
What we’re seeing more and more across the country is increasing extreme weather that we need to be prepared for,” Schumer stated.
He believes investing in the most advanced weather systems will provide early emergency warnings and precise local data, crucial for preparedness.
The requested $30 million will enhance the nation’s mesonet programs, which are vital for monitoring severe weather conditions.
New York already boasts one of the strongest mesonet programs in the country, with at least one system in every county.
However, Schumer argues that the current funding levels are insufficient to keep up with the increasing frequency and severity of storms.
“While some in Washington want to cut our weather programs, I am here today to launch my push to increase funding to upgrade our nation’s weather monitoring services because as recent storms show we need the sharpest forecasts possible so we are prepared for whatever punches Mother Nature delivers,” Schumer added.
The call for increased funding comes at a critical time, as the effects of climate change continue to create conditions for more extreme weather.
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Schumer highlighted the importance of providing more support to the nation’s weather observation systems, especially as communities across Upstate New York have been significantly impacted.
“As climate change creates the conditions for more extreme weather that devastates communities, as we’ve seen across Upstate NY, we need to be giving our nation’s weather observation system more support—not less,” Schumer concluded.