Five former directors of the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued a warning that further staffing cuts could result in unnecessary fatalities during severe weather events like tornadoes, wildfires, and hurricanes. In an open letter, they highlighted the alarming decrease of over 10% in staffing due to cuts during the Trump administration, specifically citing reductions from both layoffs and buyouts. They expressed grave concerns about a proposed budget cut of $1.52 billion for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the NWS’s parent agency, which jeopardizes the agency’s ability to deliver timely and effective weather services.
The directors emphasized that current staffing levels are already making it difficult to maintain existing service quality, and additional cuts could force some offices to operate on a part-time basis, severely compromising public safety. They pointed out that the staffing shortages have led to less effective forecasts, prompting bipartisan pushback in severely affected areas.
Specific incidents, such as a recent missed weather balloon launch that could have detected tornadoes sooner, exemplified the impact of these staffing challenges. After these events, Congressional action ensued, including efforts to classify forecasters as essential public safety personnel to protect them from further budget cuts.
The NWS acknowledged ongoing staffing adjustments but declined to discuss personnel matters, stressing its commitment to public safety. The former directors, united in their concerns, warned of “holes” in the service that could have dire consequences, especially during critical overnight events when swift decisions are crucial for warning communities.
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