Today we are battling deadly heat index readings, or “feels like temperatures” of more than 100 degrees. Based on flooding of historic proportions in Texas recently, you might be surprised to learn extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard, causing more fatalities than other weather events, including hurricanes, floods, or tornadoes.
The cuts from President Trump for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) amount to more than $1.5 billion and a staff reduction of 1,800 employees. That is the beginning as more cuts are proposed for 2026.
Hurricane season began in June and runs through November. The anniversary of Hurricane Helene is approaching. After losing 29 lives, from 12” of flooding rains, tornadoes, and winds of 100 mph in late September 2024, the CSRA has not forgotten, and there are still reminders for businesses and residents in many neighborhoods.
In today’s world, local meteorologists like WRDW’s Riley Hale have access to some of their own computer model information, but they still depend on NWS products, including one that has faced a large cutback.
“Some of the climate data put out by the NWS is especially important, as are the tropical computer models during this time of year. We use those to compare past scenarios for tropical storms and hurricanes,” explained Hale.
There have also been cuts for NWS offices that release weather balloons for gathering additional input for forecasting. At this point, those balloons, two a day, are still being released from Peachtree City, Charleston, and Columbia NWS offices.
“Those offices are still staffed, even though not fully staffed, which isn’t a new development. It could create issues moving forward, but NOAA wants to make it a top priority to fill those NWS positions. I think the biggest concern is cutting out research which impacts our ability to improve forecasts.”
As far as the images from catastrophic flooding in Texas and more recently flooding and damage from Tropical Storm Chantal in Eastern SC and NC, Hale advises, if you live in a vulnerable area for flooding, stay away.
“A weather radio can save your life.”
WRDW’s weather team has some interesting blogs to follow. You can access those here.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
