Stormy Weather, Stormy Politics: Will Government Shutdown Affect Storm Warnings?

The nation is facing some incredibly active weather today and on into the weekend. Tropical Storm Karen is threatening the Gulf Coast. 

Tornados like this one are possible
in parts of the Midwest today. Despite the
government shutdown, the National Weather
Service will issue warnings and watches,
as they usually do.  

Blizzard warnings (this time of year!) are up for parts of South Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming as a massive snowstorm moves through.

Strong tornados are possible today in parts of the Midwest, especially around Iowa. And strong Santa Ana winds in California combined with a drought makes the risk of fires extreme today.

Meanwhile, the government has been shut down by a stubborn Congress. Since the National Weather Service is staffed by federal employees, does this mean people in areas of the nation threatened by all of today's dangerous weather might not get warnings and alerts in a timely manner?

The answer, fortunately, is the warnings will go out as always. However, it's not a perfect situation, that's for sure.

The web site NOAA.gov is off line, thanks to the government shut down. But the National Weather Service web site, www.weather.gov, is up and running as usual.

I've noticed on weather.gov that forecasts are updated on about the same schedule as usual,  and weather warnings and advisories across the nation seem like they're being issued in as timely a manner as they would when Congress is not up to shenanigans. So at least National Weather Service meteorologists seem dedicated.

Meteorologists are regarded as essential employees, so they're working. But without pay, which has to stink.

And since some staffers are furloughed, and agencies the National Weather Service coordinates with during weather emergencies have skeleton staffs, I have to wonder if responses to severe storms, tornados, the blizzard and Tropical Storm Karen will be up to snuff.

Also, since there are so many weather extremes going on in the nation at once today, will the National Weather Service ultimately be spread to thin, given the reduced staffing? We'll have to wait and see on that.

Here in Vermont, there's no extreme weather in the forecast. Tropical Storm Karen looks as if it will barely affect us Monday with some rain and maybe a breeze, but not any damaging winds or flooding or anything like that.  The storm causing the blizzard and tornados out west will also affect Vermont Sunday and Monday but by the time it gets here all we'll get is rain, clouds and mild temperatures.

Still, I'd feel more comfortable if the government shutdown ends, the National Weather Service goes to full staff and the workers get paid, like they should, morally and legally.