New Twitter settings could hinder timely storm warnings: NWS

Source: The Hill | April 15, 2023 | Jared Gans

New Twitter settings could hinder timely storm warnings: National Weather Service

The National Weather Service (NWS) is warning that Twitter’s limit on automated tweets could hinder its ability to post timely storm and other weather updates. 

The NWS Tsunami Warning Center and several other local NWS offices tweeted out posts alerting their followers that the platform’s new restrictions could prevent them from being able to post all updates about weather events that they normally would. 

The weather accounts often post several times per day when one or multiple severe weather events are happening. 

But Twitter reportedly announced last month that it is planning to limit the number of free automated tweets to 1,500 per month — or the number allowed for a $100 monthly fee to 50,000 per month. This comes as one of several steps that CEO Elon Musk has taken to try to increase revenue to make up for Twitter’s shortfall. 

The Washington Post reported that NWS officials believe they will only be able to post 50 automated tweets in a 24-hour period once the policy starts on April 29. But their accounts often surpass 50 posts during extreme weather events such as tornadoes, hurricanes and tropical storms.

The Tsunami Warning Center posted that it would no longer be able to post all warnings, advisories, watches and information statements as they are issued but will “make every effort to continue manual posts.” It said its primary goal during a tsunami event is to notify official NWS channels, with social media posts being automated to speed up the process until additional help can arrive. 

The center said people should have redundant notification methods for tsunami alerts like the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s free app, third-party apps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) weather and “all hazards” radio. 

Other NWS accounts for cities like St. Louis, Boston and Memphis also posted warnings that their accounts might no longer be able to post all watches, warnings and advisories as they are issued because of the limits.

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