The TORNADO Act seeks to significantly improve the forecasting, understanding, and communication of hazardous weather and water events, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods. It directs the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to maintain and enhance the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's system for communicating these risks to the public, aiming to inform action and prevent loss of life and property. This includes establishing a dedicated office to simplify and improve risk communication, identify confusing terminology, and develop best practices for timely and consistent alerts across platforms. The bill mandates the establishment of a research program to modernize risk-based hazard information and improve social, behavioral, and communication science related to these events. A pilot program for tornado hazard communication will test research effectiveness, with a focus on historically Black colleges and universities and institutions near Weather Forecast Offices. Additionally, it requires a strategic plan for developing high-resolution probabilistic forecast guidance, incorporating advanced numerical weather prediction models and improved observations. Key provisions include evaluating and updating the current tornado rating system to ensure accuracy in reflecting severity. The Act also strengthens post-storm surveys and assessments for significant hazardous events, emphasizing data collection, coordination with various partners, and investigating the use of uncrewed aerial systems. It further expands the VORTEX-USA program to rapidly improve tornado forecasts and warnings, authorizing grants for research in both social and physical sciences related to tornadoes, with a priority for minority-serving institutions. Finally, the bill requires a Government Accountability Office report to examine the National Weather Service's information technology infrastructure for alert dissemination, focusing on capabilities, limitations, fail-safes, and potential delays. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance public safety and response to severe weather threats.