Along a similar vein, conspiracy theories maligning Doppler weather radars as “weather weapons” have heightened in the wake of flash floods in central Texas. Forecasters use the radar system to detect precipitation, and now have to worry about vigilantes vandalizing them at times when people rely on those forecasts to stay safe.

Disinformation around a “weather weapon” and cloud seeding is being widely promoted by everyone from anti-government extremists to GOP influencers—leading to real-world consequences.

Right-wing influencers and lawmakers are spreading conspiracy theories about the cause of deadly floods in central Texas.