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From Nick Lilja, former Chief Meteorologist at WDAM:

Just a brief reminder that due to recent layoffs (and the hiring freeze) at NOAA, there are fewer weather balloons sampling this system as it moves into the US and develops, there are fewer forecasters at the NWS obtaining data and offering analysis, and the three NWS offices serving this area will be working with fewer-than-normal meteorologists on staff for this event.

So please be kind to them if this weekend ends up being very active. The model data may not be as accurate leading up to the event, the regional forecasts may lack additional data and context, and the local offices may struggle more than normal to keep up with multiple simultaneous storms given the lack of available people in the chairs.

I know these folks are all dedicated as public servants to do the best job they can do. But the reality is they will be working longer hours with fewer people, and fewer resources during an event that may feature above-nornal activity.