When severe weather hits, alerts only save lives if people can understand them, and GAO says millions still can’t
When severe weather hits, alerts only save lives if people can understand them, and GAO says millions still can’t  
Podcast: The Federal Drive with Terry Gerton
Published On: Wed Feb 18 2026
Description: GAO reports that millions of residents still receive severe‑weather alerts only in English, and that the National Weather Service’s AI translation initiative risks stalling without better planning and stronger coordination. Technical constraints, resource shortages, and policy barriers are slowing progress nationwide. We look at what GAO recommends and how agencies can close trust‑eroding gaps with Cardell Johnson, Director, Natural Resources and Environment at GAO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.