Overview

• The National Weather Service's Jackson, Kentucky office is operating with a 31% staffing shortage, part of nationwide reductions initiated by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency.
• Despite lacking overnight staff, the Jackson office called in meteorologists for an emergency response during the May 16 tornado outbreak, coordinating warnings and emergency management efforts.
• At least 23 people in Kentucky were killed by violent tornadoes, with Governor Andy Beshear warning the death toll may rise further.
• Over 50 of the nation's 122 weather forecast offices face staffing shortages exceeding 20%, with multiple offices no longer maintaining round-the-clock operations.
• The National Weather Service relies on mutual aid from neighboring offices to fill gaps, but concerns grow about public safety and forecast accuracy during severe weather events.