Amid cuts to NOAA, Nebraska agencies make changes to stay prepared for severe weather

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – As severe weather season begins, communities are bracing for potential dangers of tornadoes, floods and intense storms.

But behind the scenes, looming cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are raising alarms.

The agency’s storm-chasing teams, which are vital for gathering data during severe weather events, could see their resources limited.

Some experts worry the lack of funding will affect the ability to deliver warnings that keep people safe.

Gary Petersen with the Seward County Emergency Management Agency said his office typically gets reports from NOAA four days in advance.

That helps them plan for severe weather before it happens.

With the changes, the emergency management agency is trying to adjust to the possibility of getting them less often.

Despite the cuts, Petersen thinks NOAA will do the best they can.

It is not clear how these cuts affect the National Weather Service’s Omaha office specifically.