House Budget Proposal Could Devastate the NWS’s Watch/Warning Forecasts

[toxictwister00]

Just something I thought would catch some of your attention. Sounds like were going a century back into the 20th century if this happens.... I highlighted some concerning key points in this article.

As hurricane and tornado seasons approach, funding for the NWS will be nearly 30 percent less than the first half of 2011, if the Continuing Resolution proposed by the House majority is enacted. Congress's move will necessitate work furloughs and force rolling closures of Weather Warning Offices across the country. The effects will be felt in every aspect of daily life, including emergency management, television weather, and information used by our nation's citizens for transportation, commerce and agriculture.

The National Hurricane Center, the Storm Prediction Center, the Aviation Weather Center, the Tsunami Warning Centers, River Forecast Centers and local Weather Forecast Offices located in communities across the nation are all victims of Congress's budget cut.

"When the budget blade drops on the NWS, it will be felt around the country," said NWSEO President Dan Sobien. "In the next hurricane, flood, tornado or wildfire, lives will be lost and people will ask what went wrong. Congress's cuts and the devastation to the wellbeing of our nation's citizens are dangerously wrong."

Reduced funding will mean upper air observations currently made twice a day might be reduced to every other day. Buoy and surface weather observations, the backbone of most of the weather and warning systems, may be temporarily or permanently discontinued.  Delays in replacement satellites run the risk of losing key weather data that can be obtained no other way.  "This information is vital for weather modeling and essential for accurate tornado watches and warnings," said Sobien.

The National Hurricane Center is not immune to these cuts as furloughs and staffing cuts will add strain to the program. The Hurricane Hunter Jet, which provides lifesaving data and helps determine a hurricane's path, could also be eliminated.

Recent advances in aviation weather forecasting have resulted in as much as a 50 percent reduction in weather related flight delays. Unfortunately, these improvements are also on the chopping block as the money to fund the programs will be discontinued.

"Decreased accuracy of forecasts is going to devastate every aspect of our daily lives. There will be a large scale economic impact on aviation, agriculture, and the cost shipping food and other products," warns Sobien. "Most importantly, Congress is going set back our ability to save lives by decades."

Link --> http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/house-fiscal-11-budget-proposal-could-devastate-the-national-weather-services-life-saving-warnings-and-forecasts-116235429.html

[Eric]

Congress wants to cut funding for PBS.  Congress wants to cut funding for the National Weather Service.  Congress wants to cut funding for pretty much everything except its own paychecks.

Bad, bad stuff.

[Mr. Rainman]

Wow, that is asinine. Let's hope to god that even if the the budget cut gets through the Democrats in the Senate, the NWS is at least spared.

[Bryan]

Congress wants to cut funding for PBS.  Congress wants to cut funding for the National Weather Service.  Congress wants to cut funding for pretty much everything except its own paychecks.

Bad, bad stuff.

Yep, they are only out for themselves.

[Mike M]

Insane! I hope things improve or I probably won't land a job anywhere in the TV field.

[Zach]

Biden, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Where do you see his name anywhere in that quote?

Anywho, this is a pure mistake.. whats gonna happen if this were to go in effect and severe wx approached DC at the time of a "rolling blackout" for them?

[Eric]

It's terrible that Congress would even CONSIDER cutting funding that plays such a vital role in protecting the SAFETY of people.

[TWCToday]

This is the most BS article I have EVER seen. Do you really think talking to someone head of a workers union is going to have anything positive to say about a pay cut?

Congress wants to cut funding for PBS. 

Thank god

Insane! I hope things improve or I probably won't land a job anywhere in the TV field.

This has nothing to do with the TV field

[Eric]

Martin, some of us happen to like PBS.

[TWCToday]

Martin, some of us happen to like PBS.

Sure I like some of the programming too! But when we are facing bankruptcy I think we need to find things to cut. If people enjoy the programming they should contribute rather than having every tax payer contribute to a service only watched by a select few. It only seems fair to me.

[twcclassics]

You guys don't get it. We're broke. As in out of money. In order to get out of debt, we have to stop spending. Obviously spending cuts are never fun for anyone involved, but we have to do it. Otherwise, the dollar will continue to be devalued and prices for essentials like gas and food will continue to go up.

And I know this sounds crazy, but the NWS could ask for donations. Or - dare I say it - become a private company. And if they can't make it, then a private company like TWC will step up to the plate. The point is, while I like the NWS, we don't need the government to tell us that a storm is bad and we should head for cover. The picture the article paints is just a ploy to get you scared and angry, so you'll tell your congressmen and women to say no to the cuts. In other words, they think you're stupid.

[Tyler]

And I know this sounds crazy, but the NWS could ask for donations. Or - dare I say it - become a private company. And if they can't make it, then a private company like TWC will step up to the plate. The point is, while I like the NWS, we don't need the government to tell us that a storm is bad and we should head for cover.

I agree. I don't need the NWS. Local news, TWC, and other media outlets serve me better anyway. NWS is far behind in the public eye when you compare their products to other weather outlets. Look at how during the latest winter storm, the NWS' site completely failed. So, obviously, people look to them, but we could easily do without them. I mean, just because your favorite grocery store closes doesn't mean you stop buying groceries does it?

[Mike M]

Martin, some of us happen to like PBS.

Won't be surprised if we start seeing commercials on there soon.

[TampaMillTWC88]

Martin, some of us happen to like PBS.

Sure I like some of the programming too! But when we are facing bankruptcy I think we need to find things to cut. If people enjoy the programming they should contribute rather than having every tax payer contribute to a service only watched by a select few. It only seems fair to me.

I grew up with PBS!!  I loved Arthur, Zoom, Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Thomas the Tank Engine. I obviously have grown out of it, but educational programming is always good for little kids. There are plenty other things that can be cut *cough* military spending *cough*.

[Zach]

Martin, some of us happen to like PBS.

Sure I like some of the programming too! But when we are facing bankruptcy I think we need to find things to cut. If people enjoy the programming they should contribute rather than having every tax payer contribute to a service only watched by a select few. It only seems fair to me.

I grew up with PBS!!  I loved Arthur, Zoom, Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Thomas the Tank Engine. I obviously have grown out of it, but educational programming is always good for little kids. There are plenty other things that can be cut *cough* military spending *cough*.

WEDU and WUSF i assume?

I used to watch those shows mentioned, too, but like Mike said, commercials could be possible.. although i do see local dealership ads on WEDU once in a while as a "proud sponsor"