DHS Secretary Noem calls for weather system upgrades after deadly Texas flood

Following a devastating flood in Texas that claimed the lives of at least 32 people, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has addressed criticism regarding the lack of notification prior to the disaster. Noem acknowledged the need for quicker warnings and clearer notifications before deadly weather events and emphasized the importance of updating the National Weather Service and NOAA’s outdated systems.

During a news conference with state officials on Saturday, Noem highlighted the importance of upgrading technology to improve weather forecasting and alert systems. She mentioned President Donald Trump’s commitment to modernizing the technology to provide more advanced notice to communities at risk. Noem expressed concern over the outdated systems that have been neglected for many years within the federal government.

The National Weather Service informed Noem that they started to expand their flood impact area at 1:18 p.m. local time on Thursday, approximately 12 hours before the flood occurred. Despite issuing a flood watch, the alert was considered moderate. Noem explained that the weather system stalled over the area, causing unprecedented amounts of rain and resulting in a catastrophic flooding event similar to Hurricane Harvey.

Reports indicated that heavy rain on Friday morning caused the Guadalupe River to rise nearly 30 feet in just 45 minutes. Weather service employees continued to elevate notifications, but these alerts likely came through during the early morning hours when most residents were asleep. The tragic incident led to at least 32 deaths, including 14 children.

One of the hardest-hit areas was Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian camp in Hunt, Texas, where 27 young girls remain missing as of Saturday afternoon. Noem assured the community that their concerns have been relayed to the federal government and President Trump. She emphasized the ongoing efforts to upgrade technologies and improve warning systems to provide families with more advanced notice in the future.

While specific timelines for reform were not announced, Noem reiterated the commitment to fixing the shortcomings that may have been perceived as a failure by the community. The focus remains on enhancing technology and ensuring that families have sufficient warning time in the event of severe weather incidents.

As the investigation and recovery efforts continue in the aftermath of the Texas flood, it is clear that there is a pressing need for improved communication and alert systems to prevent such tragedies in the future. The commitment to upgrading technologies and enhancing warning systems is crucial in safeguarding communities and saving lives during natural disasters.