[EAS] Senate Bill Could Cut NWS Offices from 122 to 6

[Dave Turnmire]

I tend to think Mike has some good points.  On the other hand, there are 
other functions being done by local staff.  Like people whose primary 
job is to inform "customers" such as broadcasters and pilots how to make 
effective use of their forecast products.  I don't know what it is like 
in other parts of the country, but around here, the same mountain may be 
known by multiple names ("official" and otherwise).  If NOAA Weather 
staff are speaking with a pilot or whoever, it seems reasonable to think 
a local resident would be more likely to be familiar with these local 
issues.

I'm sure Idaho isn't unique in having NOAA Weather staff play valuable 
roles serving on our SECCs and LECCs.  Losing them would be a 
significant detriment to emergency warning here.

And it is well outside my expertise, but I have been told by local staff 
that they NOAA Weather has a large collection of forecast models, some 
of which are more reliable in one area than another. Would a more 
centralized regional office be more likely to use a "one size fits all" 
choice in that regard?

So... yeah, NOAA Weather needs to adapt their offices to changing 
times... and budget realities.  But as Mike said, there needs to be a 
balance of sorts...

Dave