In response to a record 23 tornadoes hitting upstate New York in July, Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling for an additional $10 million in federal funding for weather monitoring and a $100 million boost for the weather satellites program. Schumer emphasized the need for advanced technology to provide early warnings during a press conference Monday.
With 10 tornadoes touching down on July 16 alone, communities like Rome faced unprecedented damage. “The EF-2 tornado that devastated our community is the worst weather event of our lifetime,” said Rome Mayor Jeffery Lanigan, urging state and federal support for recovery efforts.
Schumer criticized Project 2025’s proposal to cut NOAA funding, warning that reduced support would hinder storm prediction and public safety. “We need to invest in real-time, accurate weather data,” he stated, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
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