Government Shutdown Threatens NOAA and FEMA Hurricane Season Preparedness

A firefighter surveys the damage in South Pasadena, Florida, on October 10, 2024—the day after Hurricane Milton struck the area. Ted Richardson for The Washington Post/Getty Images

Two large tropical systems swirling off the southeastern coast of the United States remind us of a possible government shutdown right in the midst of the Atlantic hurricane season. Such migrating storm phenomena heighten interest in how government agencies will respond when funds are tight, especially when it comes to NOAA and FEMA.

According to experts, during a potential shutdown the core functions would be preserved, but financial constraints could still create obstacles for preparedness and rapid response to storms and other disasters. In briefings, it is stressed that the situation requires careful monitoring and planning.

What Happens to NOAA and FEMA During a Possible Shutdown

NOAA and FEMA are currently on heightened alert due to the potential shutdown: after previous cuts within the administration, some staff were moved out of regular duty. At the National Weather Service (NWS), a part of NOAA, leadership is trying to fill the gaps by bringing on new forecasters and transferring some specialists to the departments where the need is greatest.

The hiring process is moving slowly: job openings are mainly for technicians, meteorologists, and hydrologists, and not all positions have been approved yet. Training new employees will take months, and staffing shortages will complicate full replenishment of lost expertise in the near term.

“It’s unusual that at this moment we have no guidance at all; you could say it’s striking.”

Likely, the shutdown will further delay the process of hiring and training staff in the future.

NOAA currently has fewer than 4,000 employees – a radical change after years of cuts and early retirements. Such numbers mean that some local National Weather Service offices may not have a full staff to handle two daily launches of meteorological systems and around-the-clock operations.

Nevertheless, officials say the agency has enough personnel to deliver accurate forecasts of tropical storms and hurricanes, but the specifics of continuing operations during a shutdown remain unclear.

In the event of a hurricane, NOAA would redeploy staff to coastal forecast offices in the storm’s path to reduce the workload and increase the speed of responses.

Usually during a shutdown, most NWS forecasters and technicians go on unpaid leave or are laid off, but it is expected that this time a similar scheme with paid work in critical divisions and missions will be implemented.

Crew on hurricane research vessels typically do not face reductions, so flights aimed at improving forecast accuracy can continue even during a shutdown.

The NFIP flood insurance program may also be affected: coverage may continue for a period, but new policies may not be issued after September 30, while payments on existing claims can be made with available funds.

“We are an information agency; there must be a steady flow of information.”

FEMA is also closely watching how the administration will define “essential” personnel and whether internal resources at the agency will be reduced during the shutdown. Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator, warned that a prolonged shutdown could significantly limit the agency’s ability to coordinate disaster response and shrink its resource base.

“This will affect FEMA’s ability to have the resources that allow it to do its job.”

If paid leave and other temporary arrangements are not aligned, financial pressure will rise: workers may not receive pay during the shutdown, and coordination among agencies could become more challenging. These factors underscore the need for clear plans to maintain disaster readiness and rapid coordination of actions in crisis situations.

In sum, a potential government shutdown during the peak hurricane season requires thoughtful financial management and staffing policy. By preserving critical functions and ensuring a minimum level of service, NOAA and FEMA can maintain their ability to respond to emergencies and protect people and coastal regions from hurricane risks.