Five former directors of the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued a grave warning regarding imminent staffing cuts that could significantly impact public safety during severe weather events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and wildfires. In an open letter, they highlighted that staffing at the NWS has already dropped by over 10% due to cuts made during the Trump administration, emphasizing that further budget reductions would severely compromise the agency’s operations. They particularly expressed concern over a proposed $1.52 billion cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the weather service.
The directors warned that such cuts could render some forecast offices short-staffed, potentially forcing them to operate part-time and jeopardizing timely weather forecasts. They noted that recent severe weather predictions in states like Nebraska underscored how staffing shortages have led to critical lapses in meteorological services, such as the cancellation of weather balloon launches that are essential for timely tornado detection.
Some congressional members, like Rep. Mike Flood, are taking action, addressing the issue publicly and pursuing legislation to designate forecasters as public safety workers. This classification could shield them from federal budget cuts and enhance the resources available to the NWS.
While the weather service is adapting to current staffing limits, there are concerns that cuts could lead to devastating consequences, particularly during nighttime emergencies. The former directors collectively called for immediate attention to halt further reductions, stressing the agency’s crucial role in safeguarding lives against severe weather threats. The open letter serves as a stark reminder of the essential public safety mission of the NWS amidst political budgeting pressures.
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