Comment by mrandish

> weather-related damages could be significantly reduced with better data/forecasts

I agree. My point was only so those surprised by the massive increase in cost estimates can put those numbers in perspective since neither the average quantity nor severity of adverse weather events have changed substantially over the decades.

Providing more granular data to enable more accurate and timely weather forecasts is a sound business thesis even if adverse weather isn't happening 2x more frequently or energetically. It's still a large economic impact where money can be saved. More broadly, better forecasts can improve agricultural yields, reduce business disruption and increase throughput of transportation networks.