Federal Government Shutdown Expected to Disrupt Hurricane Response, National Parks, and Economy Across Multiple States

The looming federal government shutdown, expected to begin if no budget deal is reached by September 30, threatens to disrupt various services across the U.S., including hurricane preparedness, federal employee pay, and national park operations. Agencies like NOAA and FEMA, already weakened by staff reductions under President Trump's administration, may face further hiring slowdowns, potentially impacting disaster response during the active hurricane season. In South Carolina, about 25,000 federal workers could be furloughed or face mass firings, with many missing paychecks amid ongoing political disputes over border security funding and healthcare subsidies. National parks in Southern California, including Joshua Tree and the Santa Monica Mountains, could close, affecting tourism and local economies, while past shutdowns have led to environmental damage and unprotected public lands. Community services such as SNAP and Colorado Works in areas like Jefferson County are prepared to continue operations temporarily despite the shutdown. The uncertainty has prompted calls from conservation groups and officials to manage closures proactively, highlighting the broad and multifaceted impact of a prolonged funding lapse.