NWS faces vacancies in Florida offices as 2025 hurricane season ramps up
Share this @internewscast.com

Tom Fahy, the Legislative Director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization, highlights that there is a severe staffing shortage in Miami and Key West, which has led to a lack of around-the-clock coverage.

RUSKIN, Fla. — The recent deadly weather events across the nation this month have sparked concerns over staffing deficiencies at the National Weather Service (NWS). Notably, the absence of a warning coordinator for the office dedicated to the Texas Hill Country is troubling, particularly after a July 4th flash flood tragically claimed over a hundred lives.

10 Tampa Bay obtained vacancy data for Florida’s weather offices, revealing that more than twelve positions statewide remain unfilled, just as the hurricane season gains momentum.

  • Key West — 5 vacancies, 22 total positions
  • Jacksonville — 3 vacancies out of 23 total positions
  • Tampa — 7 vacancies out of 25 total positions
  • Tallahassee — 3 vacancies out of 24 total positions
  • Melbourne — 4 vacancies out of 22 total positions
  • Miami — 6 vacancies out of 23 total positions

Tom Fahy, Legislative Director of the National Weather Service Employees Organization, compiled the numbers as he lobbies Congress for protections for future cuts and the hiring for vacant positions.

Fahy says Tampa is also down a hydrologist, who helps make sure the office is ready to issue timely flood warnings. Jacksonville is down 3 manager positions, including its warning coordination meteorologist, and Key West and Miami have so many vacancies, Tampa forecasters are filling in.

“In addition, in the Tampa office, they’re missing the managerial role of the meteorologist-in-charge,” Fahy says. “That’s the single individual who’s basically the No. 1 person in the office who runs the offices from a management standpoint on behalf of the National Weather Service.”

He says Miami and Key West are down so many positions they both currently don’t have staffing for 24/7. Meteorologists in Melbourne and Tampa Bay are stepping up to make sure there are no gaps in coverage, he says, adding that staffers are working 14-hour days and are battling fatigue.

“But there’s no replacement for the local meteorologist who knows the community,” he adds. “Because every community is more or less like a microclimate, a micro environment.”

The update comes the same day President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead NOAA assured senators at a confirmation hearing that he wants to fill the 100+ positions Trump authorized a month ago but no job postings are up yet.

“If confirmed, I will ensure that staffing the weather service offices is a top priority,” said the nominee, Dr. Neil Jacobs. “It’s not a very quick process, but it’s my understanding that the NWS has direct hiring authority, which could expedite that and also the potential to relocate people.”

Dr. Jacobs also showed enthusiasm for bills working their way through Congress that would designate the NWS as a public safety agency, as deadly weather events are increasing.

“Because if you’re a public safety agency like Customs and Border Patrol, they’re not subject to the federal hiring freeze,” Fahy says.

Overall, Fahy thinks Florida is in decent shape staffing-wise and that the scientists he represents have an “all for one, one for all” approach to their role in keeping the public safe.

“They adhere to the mission statement, which is the protection and saving of life and property,” he says. “And they get they all get it and they all believe in it. It’s a privilege to represent all of these individuals.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Photo of Carolina Wilga at a petrol station.

Backpacker Carolina Winger, 26, Found Alive After Nearly Two Weeks Lost in Australian Wilderness

A GERMAN backpacker missing for nearly two weeks in the remote Australian…
Friends who discovered Idaho murder victims reveal eerie omen before the massacre

Mother of Idaho murder victim finds surprising solace in controversial plea deal by the killer

The mother of University of Idaho victim Xana Kernodle has broken her…
Portrait of Maria Gasparovic, former chief of staff.

Female Champagne Executive Criticized for Alleged Flirting with Bosses: Told She Needs ‘Anti-Seduction Training’

A FEMALE exec at a luxury champagne firm was allegedly told she…
Pennsylvania officials report intermittent failures in statewide 911 service

Pennsylvania Authorities Announce Sporadic Issues with Statewide 911 Service

Pennsylvania officials reported statewide issues Friday with the state’s 911 system.  “Pennsylvania…
US to revoke visas for some Chinese students

Impending Layoffs Anticipated at the State Department

It wasn’t immediately clear how many people would be dismissed. WASHINGTON D.C.,…
Geoengineering Whistleblower Shanahan Reveals Truth

Shanahan, the Geoengineering Whistleblower, Unveils the Truth

Nicole Shanahan, RFK Jr.’s running mate, shares whistleblower details exposing ongoing U.S.…
Who was Thomas Crooks? One year later, motive and missed warnings haunt Trump rally shooting

Who Was Thomas Crooks? One Year On, Motive and Overlooked Alerts Still Linger in the Trump Rally Shooting

As we approach the anniversary of the attempt on President Donald Trump’s…
DHS arrests five illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes, including murder and child abuse

DHS captures five undocumented individuals previously found guilty of severe offenses such as murder and child abuse

On Friday, the Department of Homeland Security reported the detention of five…
QB Jake Retzlaff breaks silence on leaving BYU after rape accusation

Quarterback Jake Retzlaff Speaks Out on Departure from BYU Following Rape Allegations

Jake Retzlaff, a former BYU quarterback, addressed his departure from the university…
Firefighters responding to a fire at Singas Famous Pizza.

76-Year-Old Grandmother Loses Life in E-Bike Battery Explosion at Pizzeria – Son Finds Her Severely Burned

A grandma was killed after an e-bike battery went up in flames…
Ovidio Guzmán López, son of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, expected to plead guilty in Chicago court Friday

Ovidio Guzmán López, the son of drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’, anticipated to enter a guilty plea in Chicago court this Friday

CHICAGO (WLS) — The son of convicted Mexican drug lord Joaquin “El…
Kendra G, Raven Smith join Windy City Weekend; Val and Ryan talk Bud Billiken Parade, Windy City Smokeout, new movies

Kendra G and Raven Smith Team Up on ‘Windy City Weekend’; Val and Ryan Discuss Bud Billiken Parade, Windy City Smokeout, and Upcoming Movies.

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday morning, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini invited…