NOAA Layoffs Threaten US Disaster Preparedness

Hundreds of probationary employees, including experienced hurricane modelers, were laid off from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), raising concerns about the accuracy of US weather forecasting and disaster response. The cuts impact crucial areas like hurricane model improvement, weather balloon data collection, and IT infrastructure maintenance, weakening NOAA's ability to respond to increasingly frequent and severe extreme weather events. This aligns with Project 2025's proposal to weaken NOAA. Experts warn this could lead to less accurate forecasts, increased disaster risks, and compromised public safety.