Astoria, Ore. — Recent mass layoffs at the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have raised alarm among climate experts, particularly in Oregon. The layoffs, which have affected hundreds of federal employees, are expected to have significant consequences for weather forecasting and monitoring across the state.
According to Larry O’Neill and Erica Fleishman, climatologists at Oregon State University, the cuts to the workforce at Oregon’s NWS offices could be devastating. O’Neill, who works closely with the NWS on various weather-related issues, said that the agency’s workforce, which once numbered around 100, has now been reduced to approximately 60-70 personnel. He explained that the cutbacks will lead to a decrease in the accuracy and timeliness of weather forecasts and warnings, which are crucial in situations like floods, ice storms, tornadoes, and wildfires.
“The weather forecast will be less accurate,” O’Neill said. “Warnings such as flood warnings, ice storm warnings, tornado warnings, and extreme fire weather warnings may be delayed or not issued at all because of staffing shortages. The observing network they operate — if something breaks or needs recalibration — won’t have the necessary staff to address those issues immediately. This includes the weather radar, which is one of the most critical pieces of equipment in the weather service’s infrastructure.”
One of the major concerns is the impact these staffing cuts will have on wildfire preparedness, a particularly pressing issue for Oregon in the summer months. O’Neill noted that technicians will no longer be able to promptly repair critical equipment like the Portland radar, which often breaks down. The result could be a delayed response to emerging weather patterns that might influence wildfire behavior or flood risk.
Despite the general push for downsizing the federal workforce, many experts argue that the cuts to agencies like the NWS and NOAA are misguided. “There’s just no waste, fraud, and abuse in this at all,” O’Neill asserted. “The NWS has been understaffed and underfunded for years. These cuts are devastating to their mission, and the effects will be felt by Oregonians very soon.”
Both O’Neill and Fleishman rely heavily on data from the NWS and NOAA for their own climate research. O’Neill is involved in drought monitoring, while Fleishman works with NOAA staff to track snowpack levels and assess flood risk. Both experts emphasize that the full impact of the layoffs will not be immediately visible to the public, but will become evident during extreme weather events when timely, accurate information is crucial.
“Smartphone apps and general weather reports might not show much of a difference,” O’Neill explained. “But the NWS really shines in times of extreme events like wildfires, floods, and other disasters. That’s when we’ll see the effects of these staffing shortages. The people who remain will do their best, but critical jobs are being left unfilled.”
The layoffs also include experienced workers who had recently been promoted to higher positions. O’Neill pointed out that these employees were recognized for their expertise and performance, making their removal all the more troubling. “These were people who were promoted because they were good at their jobs. Firing them means losing a wealth of experience and knowledge.”
In response to the crisis, both O’Neill and Fleishman urged Oregonians to take action. Fleishman suggested that concerned citizens contact their elected officials to express their concerns about the cuts. On a more personal level, she also recommended offering support and compassion to the NWS and NOAA employees who have lost their jobs. “They’re our neighbors,” she said. “This is a difficult time for them, and showing compassion is important.”
As the layoffs continue to unfold, experts like O’Neill and Fleishman are bracing for the long-term impact on Oregon’s weather forecasting and climate monitoring capabilities. The hope is that the public will recognize the importance of these agencies and push for changes to protect the services they provide.
