Recent data reveals that nearly half of National Weather Service offices are experiencing approximately 20% vacancy rates, raising safety concerns as the nation braces for severe weather conditions. The understaffing is exacerbated by budget cuts from the previous administration, which have led to significant reductions in staffing and resources. Lawmakers from Nebraska and other states are pushing back against these cuts, emphasizing the critical need for weather prediction capabilities amid rising storm threats, including tornado seasons and potential floods. Experts warn that these staffing challenges could compromise the accuracy of forecasts and hinder operational effectiveness as severe weather events loom.