A severe storm dumped over 10 inches of rain on Central Texas, causing widespread flooding and loss of life. The National Weather Service (NWS) had staffing shortages at its local offices in the state, which experts say complicated forecasters’ ability to coordinate with local emergency management officials.
The NWS was missing several crucial positions, including a senior hydrologist, staff forecaster, and meteorologist in charge, according to union representatives. These vacancies made it harder for forecasters to communicate with local authorities in the hours after flash flood warnings were issued.
Former NWS officials say the staffing shortages are separate from the issue of underestimating rainfall amounts, which some Texas officials blame on the agency’s forecasts. However, experts argue that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and severe, and that better forecasting requires a coordinated response with local emergency managers.
The tragedy unfolded in Kerr County, where over 850 people were evacuated after more than 10 inches of rain fell overnight. Local officials have questioned the preparedness of their communities, including the lack of a local flood warning system, which cost taxpayers millions.
The NWS’s San Angelo office was missing a senior hydrologist and other key staff members, while the San Antonio office had significant vacancies, including a warning coordination meteorologist and science officer. These positions are crucial for coordinating with local emergency managers to plan for floods.
Experts say that reduced staffing puts this coordination in jeopardy, making it harder for forecasters to issue timely warnings. The Trump administration’s pursuit of fewer staff members has reduced the agency’s ability to fill these positions quickly.
The NWS remains committed to its mission to serve the public through forecasts and decision support services, despite the tragedy. However, experts urge deliberate and thoughtful cuts to reduce the impact of staffing shortages on the agency’s effectiveness.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/us/politics/texas-floods-warnings-vacancies.html