Nearly Half of National Weather Service Offices Critically Understaffed Amid Severe Weather Surge

Severe weather has hit the central U.S., with the National Weather Service (NWS) confirming at least 75 tornadoes and 1,277 severe weather reports over the past week, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people. Amid these extreme conditions, staffing shortages at the NWS have reached critical levels, with nearly half of its forecast offices reporting vacancy rates over 20%, and some offices missing more than 35% of their staff. Meteorologists in Kentucky faced the difficult choice of either conducting damage assessments or issuing urgent warnings, raising concerns about public safety. Experts, including former NWS chief Louis Uccellini, warn that this understaffing could lead to increased risks and potential loss of life during severe weather events. An emergency declaration has been made for Kentucky as heavy rains and flooding continue to threaten the region. The situation has prompted alarm from meteorological experts, who describe it as a crisis due to the combination of severe weather and insufficient staffing.