Weatherman warns hurricane forecasts in doubt after DOGE’s ‘attack on science’
Weatherman John Morales has criticised DOGE for cutting funds and jobs (NBC6)
Florida weatherman John Morales has warned that accurate hurricane predictions may be compromised due to cuts to the National Weather Service and NOAA.
Morales cited understaffing (20-40 per cent in central and south Florida NWS offices) and a 20 percent reduction in weather balloon monitoring as factors degrading forecasting quality.
Morales expressed concern that having skeleton crews working long shifts during severe weather events could lead to mistakes.
Elon Musk, who helped run the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), had previously pledged to cut $1 trillion from the federal budget by 30 September.
NOAA said it is addressing staffing shortages through temporary duty assignments, reassignment opportunities, and plans to advertise permanent positions.