SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Alex Padilla have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness through improved forecasting of atmospheric rivers. The proposed legislation, named the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act, mandates the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a forecast improvement program within the National Weather Service.

Atmospheric rivers are significant weather phenomena described as "rivers in the sky," capable of carrying water vapor equivalent to multiple Mississippi Rivers. These storms are responsible for over 80 percent of flood damage across Western regions, with climate change expected to exacerbate their impact. By 2090, they could result in annual damages ranging from $2.3 billion to $3.2 billion and increase in width by nearly 25 percent.

Senator Murkowski highlighted recent tragic events in Alaska caused by these storms: “It was one year ago yesterday that the community of Wrangell was devastated by the loss of six people, including three children, due to landslide. Ketchikan also experienced a deadly landslide just months ago." She emphasized that while there are many atmospheric river observatories in other parts of the U.S., none exist in Alaska, underscoring the need for this legislation.

Senator Padilla noted California's experience with these storms: “For the past several years, California communities have witnessed firsthand the ongoing threat of destructive flooding caused by intense and frequent atmospheric river storms.” He stressed that this bill would enhance forecasts to mitigate flood risks and improve water supply resilience.

Allison Bidlack from the Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center expressed support for the legislation: “If enacted, this legislation will go a long way towards providing communities in Alaska with more accurate atmospheric river forecast and risk communication tools.”

The act directs NOAA to develop accurate storm forecasts and warnings through collaboration with public and private partners. It includes evaluating new observation tools and technologies, authorizing procurement of necessary equipment and personnel contracts for monitoring purposes, improving hazard communication related to atmospheric rivers, and integrating Alaska into existing research programs.