Tornado Preparedness Act

This legislation aims to significantly improve national tornado preparedness and response by establishing two key programs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is directed to create a program focused on enhancing tornado detection, forecasting, and warning capabilities. This includes investing in next-generation radar and satellite technologies , developing advanced forecasting models using artificial intelligence, and expanding localized, impact-based warning systems while integrating federal capabilities into state and local emergency management. Concurrently, FEMA will establish a Community Tornado Resilience Grant Program to provide funding to state and local emergency management agencies in high-risk areas. These grants can be used for constructing or retrofitting community storm shelters , installing or modernizing warning systems, deploying backup power, and developing local preparedness plans. Priority for these grants will be given to communities with high tornado risk , underserved populations , and those with limited access to existing warning infrastructure. The bill also mandates interagency coordination between NOAA and FEMA for data sharing, joint planning, and public education campaigns, and requires a report to Congress on the Act's implementation and any remaining gaps.