The perils of National Weather Service cutbacks for the Outer Banks

Hurricane season will begin June 1, and of all places on this earth, the Outer Banks must be prepared for the worst.

Beginning with Hurricane Gloria, since 1985 there have been 24 named hurricanes. Although the last storm, Isaias, that barely grazed us, was in 2020, there are already dire predictions that this season will be bad with forecasts from 13 to 18 hurricanes increasing the likelihood of hurricanes striking us again.

There are also those powerful nor’easters and tropical storms of which there have been plenty these past four years.

These storms have caused significant property damage and travel disruptions due to flooding and overwash that shut down NC 12 from Ocracoke to the upper Outer Banks.

It is vital that accurate weather information be widely disseminated for both residents and visitors on the Outer Banks.

The National Weather Service (NWS) is our most reliable source of information during these emergencies. They provide essential data, including storm strike times, wind speeds, rainfall levels, marine forecasts, and locations prone to overwash.

The NWS also hosts webinars, allowing community members to ask questions and receive real-time updates.

Unfortunately, the recent firings and drastic cutbacks at the NWS are jeopardizing this vital service, placing our coastal communities at increased risk.

The New York Times recently reported that more than 500 employees have departed in the last two months from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)—the parent agency of the NWS — whose primary responsibilities include monitoring weather patterns, managing coastal and marine resources, and conducting climate research.

Alarmingly, nearly 200 of these departures were from weather forecasting offices, which were already understaffed.  This is a significant loss of expertise and institutional knowledge.

There may be more departures from reduction in force (RIF) firings or buyouts by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Unfortunately, the recent firings and drastic cutbacks at the National Weather Service are jeopardizing this vital service, placing our coastal communities at increased risk.

From NWS information, which is freely shared before and during weather emergencies, Hyde and Dare counties can determine whether a mandatory evacuation is necessary ahead of named storms bearing down on us.

Not only is this information vital for the safety of those on the Outer Banks, approachable only by a few bridges and the ferry service, the economic implications are profound.

In 2023, Dare County tourism generated over $2.15 billion in visitor spending. This made Dare County the fourth-highest spending county in North Carolina, trailing only Mecklenburg, Wake, and Buncombe.

Ocracoke Island’s tourism generates significant money to the economy.

Visitor spending in Hyde County reached $58.31 million in 2022. This represented a 9.6% growth from the previous year.

Evacuating tens of thousands of people via just a few bridges presents several potential dangers and challenges. Making timely announcements is crucial to avoid disasters. That’s why local safety officials rely heavily on NWS information.

The Wright Memorial Bridge, while it is the major portal to the northern Outer Banks, has a limited number of lanes.

During an evacuation, this can lead to long delays, increasing the risk of cars running out of gas, impeding emergency responders, and causing panic and confusion among evacuees.

The responsibility of safeguarding our communities cannot rest solely on the shoulders of a dwindling workforce.

It is imperative that federal and state elected officers and officials recognize the detrimental effects of these cutbacks and take action to restore staffing levels at the NWS.

How can we turn this around?

Too often we and others say to contact our elected officials.

Well, they have been contacted – frequently — these last few months and what have they done? It is now time for them to stand up and take action.

The harm inflicted by the ongoing terminations and cutbacks at the NWS is a pressing issue for the Outer Banks. The safety of our residents and the future of our economy are at stake.

It is time for decision-makers to prioritize the restoration of this critical service, ensuring that our communities are equipped to face the challenges posed by severe weather and climate change. We must advocate for the resources needed to protect the Outer Banks and its people from the dangers that lie ahead.

What say you, Senators Thom Tillis and Ted Budd and Rep. Greg Murphy?