Additional Coverage:
- DOGE sackings at NOAA spark new warning over tornado response as 16 killed in twisters (irishstar.com)
Midwest Tornadoes Spark Concerns Over NOAA Funding Cuts
A devastating series of tornadoes ripped through the Midwest and Deep South Friday night and Saturday morning, leaving at least 16 dead and a trail of destruction in their wake. The storms, which also brought high winds, dust storms, and wildfires to other parts of the country, have fueled concerns over recent budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA, the parent agency of the National Weather Service, recently saw staff reductions of approximately 10%, amounting to over 1,000 employees. These cuts, part of a larger government-wide effort to reduce spending, have raised fears about the agency’s ability to effectively forecast and warn about severe weather.
The storms, which impacted over 100 million people across a wide swath of the country, left a path of devastation from Canada to Texas. Homes were destroyed, communities were ravaged by wildfires fueled by dust storms, and multiple car crashes occurred due to near-zero visibility.
In Amarillo, Texas, one pileup involved an estimated 38 cars. Sgt.
Cindy Barkley of the Texas Department of Public Safety described the scene as “the worst I’ve ever seen.” Cave City, Arkansas, was particularly hard hit, with the mayor declaring a state of emergency and issuing evacuation orders.
The timing of the storms, so soon after the NOAA cuts, has sparked outrage and concern on social media. Many users expressed gratitude for the NWS’s tireless work during the storms, while others voiced fears about the impact of reduced funding on future forecasting and warning capabilities.
Several users highlighted the sheer volume of tornado warnings issued, emphasizing the critical role the NWS plays in public safety. The Lincoln Project also weighed in, sharing resources for impacted communities and warning of the potential consequences of diminished resources for disaster preparedness and response.