The National Hurricane Center (NHC) and National Weather Service (NWS) will remain operational during the government shutdown since weather forecasts are critical to protect life and property, but some impacts are still expected.
NHC sent back an auto-response to Newsweek, below, which blamed the government shutdown for the inability of a staff member to reply.
Why It Matters
The federal government shut down early Wednesday after the Senate failed to pass a funding bill Tuesday night, with back-to-back votes in which each party blocked the other’s stopgap plan. It’s the first shutdown since the 35-day lapse in 2018-19 during President Donald Trump’s first term. Essential programs will remain operational, but thousands of government employees have been furloughed.
The shutdown comes with two months remaining in the Atlantic hurricane season, only days after AccuWeather meteorologists warned that the hurricane season was about to pick up after a mid-season lull.
What to Know
On Wednesday morning, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) posted an update on social media announcing that its account was no longer operational.
However, despite the shutdown, the NHC has continued posting updates about Hurricane Humberto and Hurricane Imelda. The NWS website also remains operational. Since these operations are essential, employees will work throughout the shutdown without pay. However, the Tallahassee Democrat reported that social media posts could be limited. Also, projects not directly related to forecasts, such as hurricane analysis and efforts to improve forecast models, will stop, as will education programs, the report said.
Although the NHC will remain operational, some impacts are expected. Newsweek received the following automatic response after reaching out to an NHC spokesperson by email:
“Due to the federal government shutdown, I am unable to access e-mails or telephone voicemails that are not mission-critical. I will respond to your message in a timely manner once funds have been appropriated and the shutdown ends. I apologize for any inconvenience. For questions related to the Department of Commerce and NOAA shutdown operations, please refer to the Department’s contingency plan.”
“Please be aware that NWS products, watches and warnings will continue to be issued as normal and will not be affected,” the response continued.
What People Are Saying
NWS in a banner on top of its webpage: “The U.S. government is closed. However, because the information this website provides is necessary to protect life and property, this site will be updated and maintained during the federal government shutdown.”
NOAA in a post on X on Wednesday morning: “The U.S. Government is closed & this account will not be updated. @NOAA websites & social media necessary to protect lives & property WILL be maintained. For critical weather information from NOAA’s @NWS, please visit https://weather.gov
What Happens Next