Recent government cuts within agencies like the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) could impact the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season.
Scaled-down agencies will have to do more with less, and some are concerned about possible lapses in data collection during critical phases of this hurricane season.
Data collection is essential during early phases of a tropical cyclone development. Timely and accurate data retrieved during hurricane hunter missions gives us the ability to forecast direction, intensity, and changes within the storms structure.
Some fear that with less personnel able to man these missions, critical phases during data collection could contribute to a less accurate forecast in a worst-case scenario.
Products issued by the National Hurricane Center will still continue to be available throughout hurricane season. These include forecast cones, tropical weather outlooks, and watches and warnings.
NOAA and the NHC will continue their missions of providing accurate forecasts during this season of change.
As always, count on your Gulf Coast Storm Team to provide the latest updates this upcoming hurricane season.
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