The National Weather Service (NWS) is currently grappling with severe staffing shortages amid a surge in tornado activity across the U.S. This year has seen tornado reports 35% above average, creating heightened operational stress for a weather service already functioning on a depleted workforce. While forecasters are managing to cover crucial duties despite intense pressure, concerns about long-term sustainability of operations persist. The Jackson, Kentucky office, which has been experiencing budget cuts, remains operational through surge staffing, yet the situation raises alarms regarding public safety during extreme weather events.
Rich Thompson, lead operations forecaster at the NWS Storm Prediction Center, acknowledged that staffing cuts have "made it harder on us." He emphasized that the staff is committed to covering their duties despite the challenges.
Erica Grow Cei, a spokesperson for the NWS, stated that the Jackson office "remained fully staffed through the duration of the event using surge staffing" and received additional support from neighboring offices.
Collection
[
|
...
]