Veteran Meteorologist James Spann Voices Support for NOAA and NWS in Anticipation of Trump Cuts
WBMA chief meteorologist James Spann has voiced his support of the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Spann's post comes in response to Trump's promise to cut the budget at the NOAA, which could undermine the agency's ability to provide critical weather forecasts, thereby affecting people's safety.
'This post is not about politics, but about support for my friends that work for the National Weather Service, part of NOAA, a federal agency. NWS meteorologists work long, hard hours serving the people of this country, not only during times of severe weather, but on the routine days as well,' Spann posted to social media. 'Their service is absolutely invaluableIf NWS products and services are reduced, we all suffer…especially during times of life-threatening weather. '
Layoffs at the agency could weaken NOAA's ability to track hurricanes and extreme weather, with some insiders fearing lives could be at risk.
The Hill reports that 'mass firings are set to hit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 'imminently.
Below is the text of the post, which as of this writing has received 1.3 million views:
Long time followers here know that I don't do politics, and there's no political content on this account. I vote; and that's it.
The world does not need another social media nitwit telling people how to think and vote.
This post is not about politics, but about support for my friends that work for the National Weather Service, part of NOAA, a federal agency.
NWS meteorologists work long, hard hours serving the people of this country, not only during times of severe weather, but on the routine days as well.
Their surface and upper air observation networks along with computer models, radars, and satellites are critical for all meteorologists, including those of us in the private sector. Most NWS field offices are currently understaffed right now.
I can only imagine morale is not especially high. Many high-level politicians follow this page, both Democrats and Republicans.
I would encourage them and all of you to support my colleagues at the National Weather Service during this time.
Their service is absolutely invaluable. If NWS products and services are reduced, we all suffer…especially during times of life-threatening weather.
James Spann
Spann has been the chief at the Birmingham, Alabama ABC affiliate for more than 28 years.
His bio said that he was named Broadcaster of the Year by the National Weather Association. He was also given the AMS (American Meteorological Society) Award for Broadcast Meteorology. The AMS stated he was the winner in part because of 'his tireless efforts to advance the public's awareness of and engagement in the science of meteorology, particularly severe weather forecasting and response'.
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