What does Preamble of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'To improve tornado detection, forecasting, warning dissemination, and community resilience, and for other purposes.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Tornado Preparedness Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This section outlines findings related to tornado and severe storm threats across the United States. The findings highlight a growing threat, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast. A tornado in St. Louis, Missouri in May 2025 revealed failures in emergency warning systems and emergency management coordination. Recent tornado events have caused loss of life, property damage, and economic disruption. While forecasting technologies have improved, gaps remain in providing timely and actionable alerts. Many communities, especially low-income and underserved areas, lack access to storm shelters and reliable warning systems. Improved coordination between federal, state, and local agencies is deemed critical for effective tornado preparedness and response.

What does NATIONAL TORNADO DETECTION AND WARNING IMPROVEMENT PLAN. of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This section establishes a program to improve tornado detection, forecasting, and warning capabilities. The program will be overseen by the Administrator of NOAA in coordination with the Administrator of FEMA. Program elements include investment in advanced radar, satellite, and sensor technologies. The program will support the development of advanced forecasting models, including artificial intelligence and machine learning. Localized, impact-based warning systems will be expanded. Improvements to existing warning systems are included. Federal forecasting capabilities will be integrated into State and local emergency management systems.

What does COMMUNITY TORNADO RESILIENCE GRANT PROGRAM. of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This section establishes the Community Tornado Resilience Grant Program within FEMA. The program provides grants to State and local emergency management agencies. These grants support tornado preparedness and resilience in high-risk areas. Eligible uses of grant funds include constructing or retrofitting storm shelters, installing or modernizing warning systems, and developing emergency preparedness plans. Backup power for warning systems and other projects enhancing tornado resilience are also eligible. The Administrator of FEMA will prioritize communities with high tornado risk, underserved and low-income communities, and those with limited access to warning systems or shelters.

What does INTERAGENCY COORDINATION. of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This section establishes a requirement for coordination between the Administrator of NOAA and the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. This coordination is to occur with State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments. The purpose of this coordination is to improve tornado preparedness and response. Coordination activities include data sharing and integration of forecasting systems. Joint planning for emergency response is also required. Support for public education and outreach campaigns is another coordination activity.

What does REPORT TO CONGRESS. of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This section mandates a report to Congress upon implementation of the Act. The report must be submitted by the Administrator of NOAA, in coordination with the Administrator of FEMA, to the appropriate congressional committees. The report's contents should include a description of improvements in tornado detection and forecasting capabilities. The report must detail the status of upgrades to warning systems. The report should outline grants awarded under section 4 and their use in tornado preparedness and resilience. The report must identify any remaining gaps in tornado preparedness and resilience. The report should include recommendations for further legislative or administrative action.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Tornado Preparedness Act do?

This section defines terms used within the Act. “Appropriate congressional committees” are specified for both the House of Representatives and the Senate. “FEMA” is defined as the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “High-risk area” refers to a geographic area identified as having a high frequency or elevated risk of tornado activity, determined in coordination with NOAA. “NOAA” is defined as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

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Tornado Preparedness Act

Last updated: 5/15/2026 · Introduced: 5/15/2026

Author: Wesley Bell (D-MO)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a program to enhance tornado detection, forecasting, and warning systems by investing in advanced technologies and integrating federal capabilities with state and local emergency management systems.
It creates a grant program within FEMA to provide funding to state and local agencies for tornado preparedness initiatives, such as constructing shelters, modernizing warning systems, and developing emergency plans, prioritizing high-risk and underserved communities.
The bill mandates improved coordination between NOAA and FEMA, along with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, to share data, integrate forecasting systems, and conduct joint emergency response planning.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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