1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

The abrupt termination of critical microwave data from U.S. Department of Defense weather satellites is deeply concerning for hurricane forecasting and preparedness. Without this data, forecasters at the National Hurricane Center will face increased risks of missing rapid intensification episodes, underestimating storm intensity, and misplacing storms – all of which can severely degrade forecast accuracy. This jeopardizes the ability to provide timely and reliable warnings to coastal communities in hurricane-prone regions, putting lives and property at risk. As hurricane season is underway, it is imperative that we have access to all available data sources to ensure accurate and reliable forecasts. The potential impacts of degraded forecasts are far-reaching, affecting not only emergency management and evacuation planning but also critical sectors such as energy, transportation, and agriculture. We cannot afford to compromise our ability to protect lives and minimize economic disruptions caused by these destructive storms. I urge you to take immediate action to address this issue and work towards restoring access to the discontinued microwave data from the Department of Defense. Ensuring robust hurricane forecasting capabilities is not only a matter of public safety but also a matter of national security and economic stability. The well-being of our coastal communities and the resilience of our nation depend on it.