The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration gathers and analyzes data from satellites, aircraft (like the “Hurricane Hunters”), and ocean buoys to improve hurricane predictions. They provide accurate and timely forecasts of hurricane tracks, intensity, and potential impacts. They issue watches and warnings to alert communities of impending danger, giving people time to prepare. NOAA works with coastal communities to enhance their resilience to hurricanes and other coastal hazards. They also conduct research to improve our understanding of hurricanes and their behavior, which leads to better forecasts and preparedness strategies. They are responsible for issuing annual predictions before the start of the hurricane season each year.
Yet hundreds of workers at NOAA lost their jobs in February as part of the effort to cut government waste by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency. They were “already significantly understaffed, so this is devastating,” said Rep. Jared Huffman, the ranking member on the House Natural Resources Committee. “It means we’re going to be less safe. It means there will be all sorts of collateral damage.”
The agency is being asked to cut even more jobs, reducing their overall workforce by 20% compared with last year’s staff. “It’s terrifying because these organizations keep us safe,” one of the former workers told PBS. “They still have that job but now they will have to do it with less people.”
How will this affect Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, and relies on federal resources to provide information and practical support. As a territory, Puerto Rico has fewer local resources — especially as grant funding has been slashed.
NOAA also supports coastal communities with research and initiatives ranging from supporting coral reefs in Puerto Rico to fisheries management to research on how climate change is affecting weather patterns. NOAA also works with FEMA on coastal resilience and disaster recovery.
NOAA is important to the overall well-being of Puerto Rico.
Thus far, according to a meteorologist at the San Juan weather center, San Juan’s office has not been affected. However, at least 1,000 more job cuts are planned. Puerto Rico may not be spared.
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