Latest news with #hurricane season
CNN
6 days ago
- Climate
- CNN
Weather Service is now hiring back hundreds of positions that got cut in the DOGE chaos
The National Weather Service has received permission to hire 450 meteorologists, hydrologists and radar technicians just months after being hit hard by Department of Government Efficiency-related cuts and early retirement incentives. The new hiring number includes 126 new positions that were previously approved and will apply to 'front-line mission critical' personnel, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration official told CNN. The NWS cuts have spurred concerns over how well-prepared the country is to withstand hurricane season, which is just starting to heat up in the Atlantic. The staff reductions also have been scrutinized in the wake of the deadly Texas floods in July, with vacancies at weather service forecast offices there. The cuts to probationary employees, as well as early retirement incentives, meant the nation's front-line weather forecasting agency's staffing levels fell by more than 550 people since the second Trump administration began, to below 4,000 total employees. CNN has reached out to NOAA for comment. Agency employees are greeting the news, unveiled at an all hands meeting on Monday, with guarded optimism and relief. Current employees have been working additional hours with additional responsibilities since the layoffs and retirements earlier this year, trying to maintain the 24/7 posture US extreme weather requires. The agency has also been functioning with less data from fewer, less frequent weather balloon launches. The announcement was also met with frustration over the people the agency lost in the failed attempt at government savings. 'How much time/money is it going to cost to train a bunch of new people when we had already-trained people in place?' asked another NOAA official, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. It is possible that some of the new hires will have been previously trained employees who were let go in the DOGE cuts. The first NOAA official said there is going to be a focus on hiring in a smart, 'asymmetric' way that is 'based on workload.' The NWS, aided by lawmakers on Capitol Hill, had been arguing for months for a public safety exemption from the federal hiring freeze. That exemption has been granted, and the agency now has direct hiring authority under the Office of Personnel Management, the official told CNN. Direct hiring authority, according to OPM's website, can be given to federal agencies 'for filling vacancies when a critical hiring need or severe shortage of candidates exists.' It can help speed up the hiring process, the NOAA official said.
Associated Press
18-07-2025
- Climate
- Associated Press
Elite Roofing and Gutters Urges Homeowners and Businesses to Protect Roofs Ahead of Gulf Storm Concerns
'Your roof is your first defense against extreme weather. With storms looming, schedule an inspection or repairs now to avoid costly damage.'— Eddie Coleman, General Manager, Elite Roofing and Gutters PEARL, MS, UNITED STATES, July 18, 2025 / / -- As the summer heat intensifies and a tropical disturbance develops in the Gulf, Elite Roofing and Gutters is urging homeowners and businesses to take immediate action to protect their roofs. Proactive preparation is critical to minimizing damage from both scorching temperatures and the looming threat of hurricane season. The combination of summer heat and intense storms can place strain on roofs. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause materials to warp or crack, while hurricane-force winds and heavy rainfall have the potential to exploit even minor vulnerabilities. 'Your roof is your first defense against extreme weather,' said Eddie Coleman, General Manager at Elite Roofing and Gutters. 'With storms looming, schedule an inspection or repairs now to avoid costly damage.' Steps to Prepare Your Roof for Summer Weather and Storms Elite Roofing and Gutters recommends the following steps to ensure rooftops are ready for whatever the season brings: -Schedule a Roof Inspection: Identifying potential weak spots, loose shingles, or worn materials early can prevent minor issues from escalating. -Complete Necessary Repairs: Address any damage, no matter how small, to reinforce your roof against heavy winds and downpours. -Clean Gutters and Drainage Systems: Ensure water can flow freely without clogging, as blocked gutters can lead to leaks and water damage. -Trim Overhanging Branches: Limiting nearby tree branches can prevent debris from falling and damaging the roof during storms. For those living on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Elite Roofing and Gutters also emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, such as securing roofing materials and considering storm-rated upgrades, to enhance resilience. What To Do When the Next Big Storm Hits Elite Roofing and Gutters warns against hiring unlicensed roofers after storms. 'Mississippi is unfortunately seeing an influx of unlicensed, uninsured, and unqualified roofing companies knocking on doors after storms,' warns Eddie Coleman, General Manager of Elite Roofing. 'These contractors often fail to meet basic code and industry standards and, in many cases, make damage worse instead of better. Residents need to ensure they are hiring a reputable, licensed, and insured company for their roofing needs.' Due to poor workmanship, unlicensed contractors leave many Mississippi residents with additional costs and ongoing problems. These problems can range from subpar work that needs to be redone to legal issues if the contractor is injured on the job. Elite Roofing emphasizes the importance of verifying credentials before hiring a roofing company to combat this problem. To choose the right roofer, Coleman suggests using this simple checklist: Do Your Homework: Research the company. First, check the Mississippi Board of Contractors website ( ). Check if the company holds a contractor's license and that the license is valid and up to date. Is the company fully compliant with all state regulations, protecting homeowners and businesses from liability and additional costs? Professional Craftsmanship: Ask about experience with similar projects. Are they held to exacting standards, ensuring quality, durability, and compliance with building codes? Has the company knocking on your door served the state of Mississippi for an extended period, and does the company hold any industry accreditations? About Elite Roofing and Gutters Headquartered in Pearl, Mississippi, with additional locations in Hattiesburg, Gulfport, and Oxford, Elite Roofing and Gutters (formerly Complete Exteriors) has been redefining roofing excellence since 2007. Focusing on craftsmanship, innovation, and unmatched customer care, the company offers an extensive range of residential, specialty, and commercial roofing services. Adam Horlock Edit Media +1 901-574-4466 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
