Tag

#NOAA

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration — the agency responsible for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and ocean science. Incidents involve budget cuts, staff reductions, and politicization of climate and weather data.

2 incidents

Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power

DOGE Guts National Weather Service: 30 Offices Lose Lead Meteorologists Ahead of Hurricane Season

The National Weather Service lost roughly 550 to 600 staff, including meteorologists and storm modelers, through probationary firings and early retirements, leaving 30 forecast offices without lead meteorologists. The NWS Goodland, Kansas office became the first to abandon 24/7 operations. Five former NWS directors warned the cuts endanger lives heading into tornado and hurricane season.

Grade 2 of 5: Major Abuse of Power

Sharpiegate: Trump Altered Official Hurricane Map with Sharpie, Pressured NOAA Scientists

Trump's September 1 tweet falsely included Alabama in Hurricane Dorian's path. The National Weather Service in Birmingham, Alabama, issued a correction saying Alabama was not at risk. Trump then displayed an Oval Office map showing the altered cone reaching into Alabama. Multiple officials at NOAA described feeling pressured not to contradict the president. The New York Times reported that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross threatened firings if the contradiction was not resolved; the Commerce Department denied that Ross threatened to fire any NOAA staff. An unsigned statement supporting Trump's position was issued by NOAA over scientists' objections. A formal Inspector General investigation was opened.