Dec 19 Support Letter for the Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

December 19, 2024

The Honorable Alex Padilla                        The Honorable Lisa Murkowski
331 Hart Senate Office Building                522 Hart Senate Office Building 
 Washington, DC 20515                               Washington, DC 20515

Re: Support for Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act

Dear Senators Padilla and Murkowski,

On behalf of the Marin County Board of Supervisors, I am writing in support of the Improving Atmosphere Forecasts Act you introduced in the United States Senate, and its inclusion in Weather Act reauthorization. The act will reduce flood risks and bolster emergency preparedness by improving atmospheric river forecasting.

Atmospheric River storms are responsible for roughly 50 percent of the precipitation along the West Coast. A long, narrow band of airborne water vapor, often described as a “river in the sky,” Atmospheric Rivers can release massive amounts of rain or snow over short periods of time. By 2090, experts estimate that these storm events could cause between $2.3 billion to $3.2 billion in damage annually. The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act will direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admiration (NOAA) to improve predictions of these important storms and ensure the forecasts and related hazards are effectively communicated to decisionmakers, emergency, response officials, and others who rely on this information. Specifically, NOAA would establish a standalone program that would:

• Develop accurate, effective, and actionable storm forecasts and warnings;
• Evaluate innovative observation tools and emerging technologies to improve atmospheric river analysis, modeling, forecasts, and warnings;
• Authorize NOAA to procure equipment, aircraft, and personnel contracts to fully monitor atmospheric river events each winter; and
• Improve atmospheric river hazard communication.

Marin County is acutely aware of the hazards posed by AR storms and climate change in general. While Marin County continues to work toward protecting our community during serious weather events, including completing projects identified in the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, and establishing a new, centralized Office of Emergency Management to respond more effectively to weather events – we know that enhanced state and federal support is key. The Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act will provide vital forecasting and information to help us better understand and prepare for hazardous climate events.

We thank you for your leadership in protecting Californians from climate hazards and championing programs to enhance flood risk mitigation and protect our water supply.

Sincerely,  

Dennis Rodoni, President
Marin County Board of Supervisors

Cc:    Marin County Board of Supervisors
Senator Adam Schiff
Congressman Jared Huffman