Severe rainfall inundated parts of Central Texas on Friday morning, raising concerns about unfilled positions at local offices of the National Weather Service (NWS) and its impact on coordination with emergency managers as floodwaters rose. Experts have questioned whether staffing shortages hindered the agency's response during the crisis.
Texas officials criticized the NWS for forecasts issued on Wednesday that underestimated the anticipated rainfall. However, former Weather Service officials defended the accuracy of the forecasts, attributing the challenges to the storm's rapid escalation and extreme rainfall levels.
The staffing shortages highlighted a significant issue, as experienced personnel who typically assist in communication with local authorities during emergencies were absent. The ongoing situation is likely to be examined as the death toll from the floods continues to rise, with additional scrutiny on local preparedness, particularly in Kerr County, where many fatalities occurred.
Rob Kelly, the Kerr County judge, noted that the county lacked a flood warning system due to its high costs and local resistance to increased spending. He expressed uncertainty about whether residents would reconsider their stance following the disaster.
The NWS's San Angelo office, responsible for areas severely affected by flooding, was missing key personnel, including a senior hydrologist and a meteorologist in charge. The nearby San Antonio office also faced significant vacancies, which are critical for coordinating flood response efforts with local emergency managers.
Some of these vacancies may have existed prior to the current administration, but the vacancy rate has reportedly doubled since January. Former NWS officials indicated that reduced staffing complicates coordination efforts with local officials.
A spokesperson for the NWS expressed condolences for the loss of life but did not provide specific details regarding the vacancies or their potential impact on the flooding situation. The White House directed inquiries to the Commerce Department, which did not respond.
The flooding began in the early hours of July 4, with over 10 inches of rain reported in some areas, leading to the evacuation of over 850 individuals in Kerr County. As of Saturday evening, 27 girls from a Christian summer camp remained unaccounted for.
Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, criticized the NWS for failing to predict the extreme rainfall in specific locations. Flash floods are particularly dangerous due to their rapid onset, with the NWS issuing its first warnings around midnight on Thursday.
Experts noted that the amount of rain that fell was challenging to forecast, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches in a few hours. They emphasized the need for improved coordination between the NWS and local emergency managers to effectively respond to such warnings.
Under the current administration, the NWS has faced staffing reductions, losing nearly 600 employees from a workforce that was previously around 4,000. This has led to fewer meteorologists available for refining forecasts and responding to emergencies.
Despite a government hiring freeze, the NWS announced plans to hire 126 new employees to stabilize the department, although these positions had not yet been posted. Experts highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with local emergency managers, which has been compromised by staffing cuts.
While some cuts may be necessary, experts stressed the importance of making such decisions thoughtfully to ensure effective disaster response.