How a Government Shutdown May Impact Disaster Relief Efforts

With the federal government headed toward a shutdown during the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season, the big question is how a lapse in funding will impact the response to a natural disaster. Here is a closer look at how a potential lengthy government shutdown would affect storm preparedness and the federal response.

Where NOAA and FEMA Stand During a Government Shutdown

The timing of a government shutdown with two major tropical weather systems churning through the Atlantic is not an ideal situation. However, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), as well as the disaster response specialists at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are planning to continue to work during the shutdown. Unfortunately, experts warn that a lapse in funding will likely disrupt response efforts in the event of a natural disaster.

Compounding the concerns is the reality that both FEMA and NOAA are operating in a weakened state after losing staff over the last several months as the Trump administration looks to cut costs. Despite agencies such as the National Weather Service (NWS) working to staff up again, it takes time to onboard new meteorologists and administrators.