Weathering the Storm: Policy, People, and Public Safety

Guest: Rep. Eric Sorensen, IL-17

When severe weather strikes, the National Weather Service is on the front lines saving lives, but what happens when those front lines are short-staffed as storms get stronger? As a former broadcast meteorologist turned Congressman, Representative Eric Sorensen knows firsthand how critical timely, accurate forecasts are for every community. That’s why he’s helping lead a bipartisan push in Congress to fully staff the National Weather Service, reclassify meteorologists as critical to public safety, and ensure that rural and underserved communities aren’t left behind when minutes matter most. Today on Weather Geeks, we’re talking with Rep. Sorensen about why a fully staffed and supported NWS is essential for our country’s safety, and how weather policy can—and should—transcend politics in the face of a changing climate. Let’s get into it…

Chapters

1. 00:00 The Importance of a Fully Staffed National Weather Service
2. 03:08 Congressman Eric Sorensen's Journey and Achievements
3. 06:07 Flood Mitigation and Climate Change Challenges
4. 08:53 Bipartisan Efforts for Weather Workforce Improvement
5. 11:53 The Role of Meteorologists in Public Safety
6. 15:10 Addressing Staffing Shortages in the National Weather Service
7. 17:56 Proposals for Weather Safety and Research
8. 20:51 The Need for an NTSB for Weather
9. 23:54 The Future of Weather Forecasting and Public Safety

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