Understaffing at National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the country—and locally—is raising serious safety concerns as storm season reaches its peak. The NWS is tasked with monitoring and issuing warnings during severe weather events, making its role critical during times of natural disaster.
In recent months, approximately 300 NWS employees have left the agency, and another 250 have reportedly been fired due to their probationary status. Local offices in Paducah and St. Louis are said to be affected, although specific staffing numbers for those locations have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a nearly 30% cut to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the federal agency that oversees the NWS.
In a public letter issued last week, several former NWS directors voiced deep concern that further cuts could cost lives.
“Our worst nightmare is that weather forecast offices will be so understaffed that there will be needless loss of life. We know that’s a nightmare shared by those on the forecasting front lines, and by the people who depend on their efforts,” their joint statement read.
NWS offices are required to remain operational 24/7, 365 days a year, to respond to natural disasters or significant weather events.
“They stay at their stations during hurricanes, tornadoes, and other severe storms, even when extreme weather affects their own families. They make sure the complicated technology—like the radars we all see on television or on our apps—stays up and operating. They are the everyday heroes that often go unsung,” the statement continued.
It remains unclear how future budget cuts might affect local offices. For now, the former directors are urging the public to contact their representatives in Congress and advocate for sustained funding for the National Weather Service.
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