FEMA's Hurricane Preparedness Under Scrutiny Amidst Staffing Shortages

Concerns grow about FEMA's preparedness for 2025 hurricane season as Hurricane Barbara approaches. With hurricane season underway, worries are mounting about the impact of President Trump’s cuts to the federal government on disaster response. The Gulf Coast is particularly vulnerable, with ominous storm systems forming and critical weather stations facing widespread staffing shortages. This concern intensified after reports that FEMA head David Richardson was unaware of the U.S. hurricane season. "Taxpayers deserve that FEMA will show up, period, and that we will have a National Weather Service that is staffed and as dedicated as it has always been," said Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones (D), whose district includes some of the most populous and flood-prone areas in the country. The video highlights the impact of previous storms, such as Hurricane Beryl in 2024, which left millions without power for over a week. As storms grow more intense, local officials are bracing for the worst, underscoring the urgency of addressing FEMA's preparedness.