{"id":3477,"date":"2011-02-24T17:03:29","date_gmt":"2011-02-25T00:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thorntonweather.com\/blog\/?p=3477"},"modified":"2011-02-26T04:05:26","modified_gmt":"2011-02-26T11:05:26","slug":"proposed-national-weather-service-budget-cuts-would-impact-thornton-residents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thorntonweather.com\/blog\/colorado-weather\/proposed-national-weather-service-budget-cuts-would-impact-thornton-residents\/","title":{"rendered":"Proposed National Weather Service budget cuts would impact Thornton residents"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A proposed 30% cut in the National Weather Service's budget could lead to greater loss of life. (Examiner.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The National Weather Service is the nation’s frontline of defense against many forms of threats from Mother Nature.\u00a0 As the sole agency responsible for issuing weather related warnings and alerts, a proposed massive cut in the budget for the service could have dire consequences.<\/p>\n

Colorado\u2019s weather is as varied as any state in the union.\u00a0 Our true four seasons allow us to witness the entire gamut of weather from scorching hot summers to winters buried in feet of snow to springtime severe weather with damaging and deadly tornadoes.\u00a0 Knowing what is going on with the weather is critical in allowing us to protect ours and families\u2019 lives.<\/p>\n

Budget cuts being proposed in Washington DC could severely decrease the accuracy and frequency of weather related information we receive.\u00a0 A massive cut of $126 million to the National Weather Service\u2019s budget is being proposed \u2013 a full 30% cut in funding for a service that provides information that saves lives every day.<\/p>\n

When you view a detailed forecast on ThorntonWeather.com that is specifically for Thornton, you are viewing data provided by the National Weather Service. \u00a0Our radar imagery, weather radio, the watches and warnings that we post – all originate from the National Weather Service.<\/p>\n

The National Weather Service is the sole source for issuing weather related watches and warnings and its forecasts are used every day by citizens and industry. \u00a0When you hear of a weather warning – it originates from the weather service. \u00a0Its various groups, including the National Hurricane Center (NHC) and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), are specialists in certain areas of meteorology and all are responsible for helping to keep Americans safe from a variety of natural hazards.<\/p>\n

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the parent agency to the weather service, has a large footprint in Colorado.\u00a0 Boulder is home to many NOAA agencies but others are across the state.<\/p>\n

Three weather forecast offices operate in Colorado including one in the Denver \/Boulder area, one in Pueblo and one in Grand Junction.\u00a0 Each of these offices cover the forecasting duties for a specific area, an important factor that allows them to focus on the unique climate and weather patterns of their region.<\/p>\n

With severe weather season getting ready to start and hurricane season just around the corner, lives may be on the line with these budget cuts.\u00a0 The head of the National Weather Service Employees Organization (NWSEO), Dan Sobien, says that the cuts are far too drastic.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the next hurricane, flood, tornado or wildfire, lives will be lost and people will ask what went wrong. Congress\u2019s cuts and the devastation to the wellbeing of our nation\u2019s citizens are dangerously wrong.\u201d
\n~Dan Sobien, NWSEO<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Budget cuts like those that are proposed could lead to shut downs of local weather forecasting offices \u2013 including offices in Colorado.\u00a0 Hurricane hunter aircraft may be grounded and no longer able to provide critical data on approaching storms.\u00a0Atmospheric observations critical to generating accurate weather forecasts could be cut back in frequency thus limiting their effectiveness.<\/p>\n

Without accurate forecasts, everything from air travel to agriculture is impacted. Warning times before significant damaging and deadly events could be increased leading to greater economic losses and perhaps most tragically, the loss of life.<\/p>\n

There is certainly a cost to Americans for the National Weather Service and citizens pay for this service through taxes.\u00a0 However the price is but a pittance when compared to the number of lives that are saved every day when a flood warning sends someone to higher ground or a tornado warning causes people to seek shelter in their basement.<\/p>\n

The National Weather Service\u2019s mission statement discusses their providing information \u201cfor the protection of life and property and the enhancement of the national economy.\u201d\u00a0 The agencies track record is clear and the information it provides critical to our nation and it is hard to see how these budget cuts won\u2019t cost lives – maybe even some in Thornton and Colorado.<\/p>\n

We here at ThorntonWeather.com applaud Congress for taking action to keep our nation from being straddled with debt. \u00a0However budget cuts need to be responsible and cutting the National Weather Service so heavily is unwise and unsafe.<\/p>\n

If you are concerned about these cuts, you are urged to contact your elected officials in Washington DC.<\/p>\n

Colorado’s U.S. Representatives<\/p>\n