Senator Recommends App for Nationwide Storm Warnings

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is proposing a national application for smartphones, tablets and the Internet which would quickly update comprehensive storm warnings nationwide.

The app would simplify, streamline and digitize complex data to avoid confusion resulting from conflicting media reports about tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, blizzards, flooding and other natural threats.

Under the proposal released Wednesday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service would provide fast, updated reports to Americans facing approaching storms and possible evacuations.

The proposal would also consolidate efforts. Local National Weather Service offices now issues warnings, but Schumer says that should be done uniformly by the National Hurricane Center.

Schumer, a New York Democrat, says the need came from studying the reactions to Superstorm Sandy that slammed the Northeast last fall.