Twitter suspended, then unsuspended, API access for National Tsunami Warning account
⛔@Twitter is now limiting automated tweets and as a result, this account can no longer post all #Tsunami Warnings, Advisories, Watches, and Information Statements as they are issued. We will make every effort to continue manual posts 🧵(1/5) pic.twitter.com/3ZWN33gn0a
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) April 15, 2023
Powerful, disruptive tsunamis can occur with little advanced warning which makes real-time social media alerts noting their appearance all the more critical. That critical safety measure was put at risk over the weekend. On Friday, the National Weather Service’s tsunami alerts Twitter page said the company had begun limiting its automated tweets which affected its ability to post-tsunami warnings, advisories, watches, and information statements.
“During a #tsunami event, our primary mission is to message our Warning Points through official
@NWS channels,” the NWS wrote. “This serves the most people in the fastest way possible. Social media posts are automated to speed up the posting process until more help can arrive.”
During a #tsunami event, our primary mission is to message our Warning Points through official @NWS channels- this serves the most people in the fastest way possible. Social media posts are automated to speed up the posting process until more help can arrive.🧵(2/5)
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) April 15, 2023
The account encouraged followers to download the NOAA and Fema weather apps to ensure they receive up to date alerts. In extreme cases, the NWS said the Emergency Alert System would issue an alert on television and over radio.
😍Thank you, Twitterverse, for your response and concern in the last 24 hours.
The National #Tsunami Warning Center heard from @Twitter and @TwitterDev today: NTWC was advised our API access has been restored. 😤 🧵(1/4)
— NWS Tsunami Alerts (@NWS_NTWC) April 16, 2023
Fortunately for anyone potentially in a tsunami’s path, the tsunami alert page issued an update two days later saying Twitter’s development team had restored its API access.
