The Shapiro administration announced an upgraded statewide weather monitoring and alerting system, designed to enhance public safety while providing real-world science education for students.
The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), alongside Penn State University, the National Weather Service, and local school districts, introduced the Pennsylvania Integrated Flood Warning and Observation System (IFLOWS 2.0). The upgrade includes 30 new weather stations, many installed on school properties, feeding data into the Keystone Mesonet network.
Officials said the system will deliver real-time weather data to emergency managers and meteorologists, improving flood detection and early warning capabilities. Flooding is Pennsylvania’s top natural hazard, and better detection is expected to save lives and property.
The expanded network, known as the Pennsylvania Environmental Monitoring Network, will now include 50 stations across 38 counties, utilizing data from state and federal agencies. The National Weather Service will use the improved data to enhance severe weather warnings.
The initiative also incorporates a new statewide K–12 weather curriculum developed by Penn State and Greencastle-Antrim School District, allowing students to work with live data collected from nearby weather stations. The curriculum is designed to strengthen STEM education and environmental literacy.
The project is funded by a \$720,000 FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant and a \$172,500 Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant, along with state contributions. Additionally, a \$499,192 PAsmart grant is supporting curriculum development and STEM programming.
PEMA Director Randy Padfield emphasized that these efforts will enhance Pennsylvania’s early-warning capabilities while providing valuable educational experiences that prepare students for future careers in science and emergency management.
Source: pa.gov