Severe Storms Cause Devastation Across Central US Amid Staffing Shortages at Weather Service
A severe storm system causes fatalities and extensive damage while National Weather Service offices face critical staffing shortages hindering response efforts.
The flooding impacts are far from over as an atmospheric river continues to pummel the Midwest and South on Friday.
Map shows river water levels in US that are massively higher than normal
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The vacancy numbers were compiled in an informal but comprehensive effort by weather service workers after the cuts spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Data obtained by AP shows 20% vacancy rates at nearly half of National Weather Service offices
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Extreme precipitation events are becoming more common and severe due to climate change, as warmer air temperatures hold more moisture.
Axios·17d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The vacancy numbers were compiled in an informal but comprehensive effort by weather service workers after the cuts spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Nearly half of National Weather Service offices have 20% vacancy rates, and experts say it's a risk
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Damage surveys are critically important to informing our U.S. tornado climatology.
Why Are Tornado Damage Surveys So Important?
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The wave of severe weather is one of the first since the Trump administration began to sharply cut Noaa’s workforce.
US prepares for deadly floods with many National Weather Service offices understaffed
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The 36-hour period between Friday evening and Sunday morning will be the most dangerous as an additional 6 to 12 inches of rain will fall over already drenched areas.
South and Midwest brace for more historic rains and severe flooding in deadly multiday storm system
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Extreme flooding across the corridor that includes Louisville, Kentucky, and Memphis, which have major cargo hubs, could also lead to shipping and supply chain delays, said Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather.
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Across multiple states, the devastation was immense.
Spring storms bring 'catastrophic' rain, tornadoes to central US: See photos of the damage
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A four-day, once-in-a-generation weather event is pounding the middle of the U.S. with destructive tornadoes and life-threatening flooding.
At least 8 killed as devastating storm pounds central US with more flooding, tornado threats
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Those precious extra minutes can save lives — they allow people time to take shelter in a basement or empty bathtub to ride out the storm, and they give emergency responders crucial information about the tornado’s path so they can prepare for rescues once danger has passed.
4 ways forecasts are about to get worse
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Summary
A severe storm system has led to at least eight fatalities across Kentucky, Indiana, Missouri, and Tennessee due to tornadoes and flooding. Extensive damage has been reported, notably in Selmer, Tennessee, prompting a state of emergency. Over 116,000 homes are without power, and forecasters predict dangerous conditions with potential rainfall exceeding 20 inches. The National Weather Service is facing a staffing crisis, with nearly half of its offices operating at 20% vacancy rates. This shortage has hampered urgent weather warnings, raising concerns about future safety as severe weather continues through the weekend.
Perspectives
At least eight fatalities have been reported across multiple states due to severe weather, including tornadoes and flooding, eliciting state of emergency declarations from governors.
Nearly half of National Weather Service forecast offices have 20% vacancy rates due to staffing cuts, which pose a critical risk to public safety during severe weather events.
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History
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