1. United States
2. Ark.
3. Letter

Subject: Request for National Weather Service Radar Installation in Northwest Arkansas Over the past three years, Northwest Arkansas has experienced multiple tornado events that occurred without any advanced warning from the National Weather Service office in Tulsa. Specifically, tornadoes struck Springdale in 2022 and again in 2025, as well as Fayetteville in 2025—among potentially other incidents—all with no formal alerts issued in time to provide residents adequate warning. I believe one contributing factor is the unique terrain of our region. The hills and valleys in Northwest Arkansas pose a significant challenge for current radar systems, particularly those located in Tulsa and Fort Smith. These radars often have limited low-level coverage of our area, which can prevent forecasters from seeing the early development of dangerous weather systems. This is not just a technical inconvenience—it is a life safety issue. Our communities deserve the same level of timely, accurate warnings that other regions receive. A dedicated NWS radar installation located within Northwest Arkansas could fill a critical gap and ensure faster, more reliable detection of severe weather in this rapidly growing area. I respectfully urge you to seek federal funding to support the installation of a NEXRAD Doppler radar system in Northwest Arkansas. This investment would directly save lives, protect property, and provide peace of mind for the hundreds of thousands of people who call this region home. Thank you for your service and attention to this important matter.