Inside the scramble to keep FEMA alive ahead of hurricane season
- In 2025, FEMA and NOAA prepare for a predicted busy hurricane season in the United States amid significant staff reductions and operational challenges.
- These challenges stem from cuts mandated since January 2017 under the Trump administration, causing roughly one-third of FEMA’s staff to leave and restricting weather balloon launches vital for forecasting.
- This year, the National Hurricane Center is introducing AI technology to enhance forecast accuracy; however, experts caution that cuts in training, travel limitations, and the loss of experienced FEMA personnel may undermine the federal government's disaster response capabilities.
- Ken Graham affirmed that the agency's capabilities are stronger than ever, while Michael Brennan highlighted that incorporating artificial intelligence has enhanced forecasting accuracy despite some challenges with balloon data.
- The staffing losses increase reliance on states to handle disasters, raising concerns among experts about response uncertainty, especially in poorer states, and evoking comparisons to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
148 Articles
148 Articles
Three major hurricane predictors closely aligned
(The Center Square) – North Carolina’s named storm forecasts for hurricane season from N.C. State University and Colorado State University fall within the large probability of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Congresswoman calls on federal government amid cuts and start of 2025 hurricane season
PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – One congresswoman said the federal government has taken a chainsaw to federal agencies that help you before, during, and after a hurricane. "Right now, I cannot report that the federal government is there in every way that they were there last hurricane season, unfortunately,” said Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14). Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now …
How would Houston recover from another disastrous storm without FEMA?
With a new hurricane season underway amid uncertainty about the future of FEMA, Houston-area officials and organizations are making plans to respond to emergencies without the assistance of the federal government.
It's hurricane season. What's up with FEMA? Some New Orleans area leaders are worried.
New Orleans-area leaders and emergency management experts are grappling with uncertainty and anxiety this hurricane season as the Trump administration moves to overhaul the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Future Caucus to examine disaster response in Missouri if FEMA shrinks or goes away - Missourinet
A recently created Missouri House caucus will examine how the state should prepare for natural disasters if the Federal Emergency Management Agency gets eliminated or drastically downsized. State Rep. Collin Wellenkamp, R-St. Charles, chairs the Future Caucus. He told Missourinet that it’s something the state should consider. “That is definitely on top of mind right […]
Cuts raise concerns as hurricane season begins
WASHINGTON — With predictions for a busy hurricane season beginning Sunday, experts in storms and disasters are worried about something potentially as chaotic as the swirling winds: massive cuts to the federal system that forecasts, tracks and responds to hurricanes. Read more...
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