As hurricane season approaches, thousands of weather and disaster experts have raised concerns about NOAA and NWS budget cuts and staffing shortages

NOAA is forecasting as many as 19 tropical storms this year, including six to 10 hurricanes. Half of those hurricanes could reach “major” strength.

The NOAA and the NWS are urgently working to fill 155 positions nationwide ahead of the Atlantic hurricane season. According to CNN, the NWS is offering relocation assistance to qualified NOAA staff willing to transfer to high-priority locations.