NOAA staff cuts threaten accuracy of weather forecasts

Widespread firings at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have raised concerns about the reliability of U.S. weather forecasts. Over 880 employees have been let go, including key researchers and staff from the National Weather Service. The cuts could lead to delayed tornado warnings and less accurate hurricane forecasts. Staffing shortages in tornado-prone areas may hinder timely alerts, while the loss of hurricane experts could slow advancements in predicting storm intensity. Additionally, the firings may disrupt data collection efforts essential for accurate weather modeling. Some local forecasting centers have already reduced operations, which could further degrade the quality of weather forecasts.