Florida's Hurricane Season Preparedness Questioned Amid FEMA and NOAA Staffing Crisis

Florida Braces for Hurricane Season Amid FEMA and NOAA Staffing Concerns As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season gets underway, parts of Florida's Gulf Coast are still recovering from the devastating impacts of last year's storms. This year's forecast predicts roughly half of the hurricanes could reach major status (Category 3 or above), adding to the existing concerns about staffing shortages at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These agencies are responsible for weather research, forecasts, and disaster recovery. Adding to the unease, sources told CBS News that some FEMA staffers were shocked when their boss stated yesterday that he was unaware the US had a hurricane season. A spokesperson for FEMA later claimed the statement was a joke, but this has done little to alleviate concerns. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center, both under NOAA, have also experienced significant staff losses. NOAA has lost 2,200 employees since January due to mass probationary firings or early retirements. The National Hurricane Center, however, maintains that they can manage staffing issues by moving personnel around and that there will be no impact to forecasting or warnings. Despite these assurances, worries remain. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated, “Look, the state is strong enough to be able to handle a lot. We do not necessarily rely on FEMA.” However, FEMA did point out to CBS News that last year, after three storms in Florida, it distributed over $1.6 billion in grants to nearly half a million individuals and families. The ongoing recovery, coupled with the potential for a severe hurricane season, underscores the importance of adequate staffing and preparedness.