Senator Schumer Raises Concerns Over NOAA and National Weather Service Cuts Impacting Upstate New York
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is calling for answers regarding recent layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS), citing concerns about the impact on Upstate New York’s storm tracking and emergency preparedness. The reductions in staff and services, including the suspension of weather balloon launches in Albany and changes at the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, have raised alarms about the potential for less accurate weather predictions.
Schumer has requested details on the extent of these cuts and is urging the restoration of critical weather services. He emphasized the importance of reliable forecasting tools, particularly in a region frequently affected by extreme weather events such as lake-effect snowstorms, flooding, and tornadoes.
“These tools are how Upstate New York families get weather reports, how communities receive emergency alerts, and how we prepare for severe weather,” Schumer said. “These cuts could lead to major gaps in forecasting, which puts public safety at risk.”
The Albany National Weather Service has already announced that it is halting weather balloon launches due to staffing reductions. These balloons provide meteorologists with essential atmospheric data to improve forecasting accuracy. Schumer warns that a reduction in hyper-local data could make predicting severe storms more challenging.
The layoffs at NOAA are part of broader federal workforce reductions, which have led to approximately 20% staff cuts at the agency, including the termination of 586 probationary NOAA employees—108 of whom worked at the NWS. Meteorologists have expressed concern that these reductions will hinder the agency’s ability to provide accurate weather predictions, particularly in areas prone to extreme weather conditions.
Schumer has written to Vice Admiral Nancy Hann, Acting Administrator of NOAA, requesting specific information about the number of personnel cuts in New York and how they will affect services, particularly in relation to the Great Lakes and agriculture sectors.
New York is home to 24 National Weather Service stations, 21 of which are located Upstate. These stations play a critical role in providing weather alerts and data to local governments, businesses, and residents. Additionally, NOAA supports research initiatives for the Great Lakes, which contribute significantly to the state’s economy and environmental conservation efforts.
In his letter, Schumer asked NOAA to provide a plan for maintaining and restoring services impacted by the layoffs. He also raised concerns about how these cuts could affect Great Lakes restoration programs, local farmers, and fishermen who rely on NOAA grants and forecasting data.
“The safety of our communities during the next storm depends on maintaining these essential services,” Schumer stated.
NOAA has yet to respond publicly to Schumer’s inquiries regarding the impact of the cuts on New York. The situation continues to develop as local officials and meteorologists assess how reduced staffing levels might affect weather forecasting and emergency preparedness across the state.