Jay Grymes notes there are likely inefficiencies within NOAA that could be addressed, but cautions that weakening core weather and climate roles could pose serious risks to Louisiana.

Nearly 1,000 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service employees were let go by the Trump administration.

Staffing levels at the nation’s already hobbled weather, climate and oceans agency could take a further nosedive in the days ahead.

Jay Grymes notes there are likely inefficiencies within NOAA that could be addressed, but cautions that weakening core weather and climate roles could pose serious risks to Louisiana.

"I understand the need to cut waste and balance the budget, but leave the chainsaw at home for when you have a tornado, flood or hurricane."

A storm system sweeping across the South is kicking off a severe weather threat for much of the Gulf Coast Saturday, with potential for a full weekend washout along parts of northern Florida and Georgia.

A retired NOAA leader told WWL Louisiana 2 flight directors with the Hurricane Hunters had been fired as part of sweeping federal cuts.

The average 48-state temperature for meteorological winter (December through February) came in at 34.09 degrees Fahrenheit (1.16 degrees Celsius). That’s the 27th highest reading among the 130 winters in the NOAA database extending back to 1895. Just one year ago, the nation wrapped up its warmest winter in contiguous U.S. history.