The National Weather Service (NWS) in Texas and across the U.S. is critically understaffed, with 600 jobs cut nationwide since January, impacting its ability to predict and disseminate weather alerts. This situation, attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump's administration cuts and a proposed 27% budget reduction for NOAA, raises serious concerns, especially in light of recent Texas floods.
National Weather Service in Texas ‘critically understaffed’ as offices reel from Trump cuts
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The National Weather Service (NWS) in Texas and across the U.S. is critically understaffed, with 600 jobs cut nationwide since January, impacting its ability to predict and disseminate weather alerts. This situation, attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump's administration cuts and a proposed 27% budget reduction for NOAA, raises serious concerns, especially in light of recent Texas floods.
Trending- 1 January (when Trump came to office): 600 jobs cut from the National Weather Service.
- 2 Current: San Antonio and San Angelo offices have 10 vacant jobs.
- 3 Next year: President's budget includes a 27% cut to NOAA.
- Critical understaffing of NWS offices, potentially compromising their ability to predict and disseminate weather alerts effectively.
- Increased risk during extreme weather events due to reduced operational capacity and research capabilities.
- Some weather offices have stopped operating 24 hours a day.
- Loss of scientific research capabilities, particularly in areas like hurricane intensification.
What: The National Weather Service (NWS) in Texas and across the United States is critically understaffed, with 600 jobs cut nationwide since January, leading to some offices no longer operating 24 hours a day and a lack of personnel for critical roles.
When: Staffing cuts have occurred since January (when President Trump came to office). The President's budget for 'next year' includes proposed cuts to NOAA.
Where: Texas (San Antonio and San Angelo offices), Miami (hurricane research facility), and various NWS offices across the United States.
Why: The understaffing is attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, which has cut 600 jobs from the NWS through firings and buyouts, and proposed a 27% cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including its research arm.
How: The administration implemented job cuts and proposed significant budget reductions. This has resulted in vacant positions, including those responsible for disseminating weather alerts and coordinating with emergency management officials, leading to reduced operational hours in some offices.