Secretary Kristi Noem defended the Trump administration’s response to the Texas flash floods, attributing the delayed warning to outdated technology and highlighting ongoing upgrades. Noem deflected criticism by stating the administration is working to fix neglected systems, shifting blame to previous administrations. While acknowledging concerns regarding cuts to weather research labs, she assured reporters she would convey these issues to President Trump. The report also mentioned recent cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service as well as Trump’s plans to phase out FEMA.
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The devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas resulted from a worst-case scenario, with an unprecedented amount of rainfall occurring in a short period. Despite the National Weather Service issuing warnings, concerns were raised about their dissemination, given staff vacancies in key offices and the potential for warning fatigue among residents. The NOAA’s budget, however, could eliminate research and development of new forecasting technologies that could improve warning accuracy. Local officials are adamant they could not have done anything more to prevent the tragedy because of how quickly the event happened.
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Texas officials are criticizing the National Weather Service for providing inaccurate forecasts, which they believe contributed to the devastating floods in the Hill Country. The NWS had predicted significantly less rainfall than what actually occurred, leaving many residents and authorities unprepared. These inaccuracies come after the agency underwent drastic staffing cuts under the Department of Government Efficiency. These cuts were part of a larger effort to dismantle federal agencies and eliminate climate-related initiatives.
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In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Texas Hill Country that resulted in numerous deaths and missing persons, Texas officials are criticizing the National Weather Service (NWS) for issuing inaccurate forecasts. The NWS, facing significant staffing cuts as part of the Department of Government Efficiency under the Trump administration, reportedly failed to predict the intensity of the rainfall. These cuts, which eliminated specialized climate scientists and weather forecasters, followed warnings about the potential for deadly consequences during storm seasons. Concurrently, President Trump signed legislation that dismantled federal efforts to address climate change, exacerbating the risks associated with extreme weather events.
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Following the devastating Texas floods that claimed numerous lives, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the government’s response and the National Weather Service. She cited ongoing technological upgrades as a priority, emphasizing reforms to a system long neglected by the federal government. Despite this, the administration’s fiscal year budget includes cuts to weather research labs and personnel at NOAA and the NWS, raising concerns. Noem vowed to relay community concerns to the government and the President, emphasizing the need for improved warning times.
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A devastating flash flood in the Texas Hill Country claimed the lives of at least 37 people, including 14 children, and left many more missing, especially from a girls’ camp. The Guadalupe River rose rapidly, washing away homes and vehicles after heavy rainfall. Search and rescue efforts were underway using helicopters, boats, and drones, as authorities grappled with the scope of the disaster and the potential for more flooding. Investigations were launched into whether proper warnings were given. The National Weather Service had issued warnings, but the intensity of the downpour caught many off guard.
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Texas officials are criticizing the National Weather Service (NWS) for its failure to accurately forecast the catastrophic flooding that has resulted in numerous deaths. The NWS faced staffing shortages following cuts initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency. Despite these challenges, the original forecast underestimated the rainfall, leading to heavy flooding along the Guadalupe River. This has led to significant loss of life and the current president has also noted the impact of the event.
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Alaska issues its first-ever heat advisory for Fairbanks on Sunday, with temperatures predicted to exceed 85°F (29°C). This is not due to record-breaking heat, but rather a change by the National Weather Service from using less impactful “special weather statements” to advisories, aiming for improved public awareness of potentially dangerous conditions. The shift doesn’t reflect unprecedented temperatures or climate change impacts but acknowledges the effect of heat in a region with limited air conditioning and increasing wildfire smoke. While Anchorage isn’t yet issuing heat advisories, plans are underway to do so in the future.
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Severe understaffing at National Weather Service (NWS) offices in central and south Florida, coupled with a near 20% reduction in weather balloon launches, is degrading forecast quality. These cuts also threaten NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft operations, potentially resulting in significantly reduced reconnaissance missions. This lack of crucial data collection may leave forecasters with incomplete information on hurricane strength before landfall. The consequences of these budget reductions represent a multi-generational setback for American science and weather forecasting capabilities.
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Following a deadly tornado in St. Louis that killed five, the city’s emergency management chief, Sarah Russell, has been placed on paid administrative leave pending an external investigation. The investigation centers on the failure of the city’s tornado sirens to activate during the Friday storm, despite a National Weather Service warning. An internal investigation revealed that while a malfunctioning button at the Fire Department contributed to the failure, unclear communication from Russell also played a role. Consequently, Mayor Spencer issued an executive order assigning sole siren activation responsibility to the Fire Department.
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John Q. Hosedrinker