Weather Alerts: A Language Barrier That Could Cost Lives

In the heart of the United States, a storm is brewing. But it is not just about the weather. It is about how people get crucial information when it matters most. The National Weather Service has stopped translating its weather alerts into other languages. This change could put millions of non-English speakers in harm's way. The decision came after the weather service's contract with an artificial intelligence translation provider ended. This provider had been translating alerts into Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, and Samoan. The weather service had to stop these translations because its contract lapsed. This happened at a time when the government is looking to cut spending in many areas, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This move could be risky. Nearly 68 million people in the U. S. speak a language other than English at home. Many of these people might not understand urgent weather alerts if they are only in English. This could be a matter of life or death. For instance, during a deadly tornado outbreak in Kentucky in 2021, a Spanish-speaking family ignored an English alert but took shelter when they received the same alert in Spanish. Translations are not just important for extreme weather events. They are also crucial for general weather forecasts. These forecasts help people in various sectors, such as tourism, transportation, and energy. They also help families and businesses make informed decisions. For example, a shopkeeper might understand basic English but struggle with weather or climate terms. Without translations, they might miss out on vital information. The weather service used to translate alerts manually, but this was labor-intensive. The new AI system was supposed to make things easier. However, the contract lapse has put this convenience on hold. This situation raises questions about how well the weather service can serve all Americans, especially during emergencies. Some experts believe that the weather service should find a way to continue translations. They argue that this is not just about convenience. It is about safety. People should not have to understand English to stay safe during a storm. The weather service needs to think about this. It needs to find a solution that works for everyone, regardless of the language they speak. The weather service has not said much about this change. It has only mentioned that the contract has lapsed. This lack of communication could make people worry. They might wonder if the weather service is doing enough to keep them safe. The weather service needs to address these concerns. It needs to show that it is committed to serving all Americans, no matter what language they speak.