Why Federal Cuts to NOAA Matter for Homeowners
The U.S. federal government has been undergoing some significant changes, and specifically large-scale reductions in force, as decided by the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. These reductions may ultimately affect as much as 12% of all federal workers or 2.4 million people.[1]
One of the government departments that has experienced significant cuts is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In February of 2025, hundreds of employees at the NOAA were terminated, including some of the country’s top researchers and meteorologists. Many others were offered early retirement or voluntary separation before more layoffs were expected. Overall, around 11% of the agency's 12,000 employees have been eliminated.[2]
What do these reductions mean for the work that NOAA is doing? What does the NOAA actually do? And how might this all affect your home insurance?
What Is NOAA and What Does It Do?
With thousands of people working there, what does the NOAA actually do? The NOAA was established in 1970 as an agency under the Department of Commerce, but its true history dates back to the 1800s with several organizations in charge of surveying the coastline, charting weather, and performing other physical science research.[3]
Today’s NOAA focuses on nine key scientific research areas that cover things like:
- Daily weather forecasts
- Severe storm warnings
- Climate monitoring
- Fisheries management
- Coastal restoration
- Supporting marine commerce
All told, the work of scientists at NOAA provides citizens, businesses, emergency managers, and other decision-makers with the reliable information they need to make informed decisions. The work of the NOAA affects more than one-third of the U.S.’s gross domestic product.[4]
What Are the Effects of These Cuts?
The cuts to NOAA are an estimated $1.7 billion from its budget (down from its current funding level of $6.1 billion). Under current proposals, those cuts would mean the elimination of climate research, with over 75% of NOAA’s research being cut. Programs related to tornado research would be distributed to other parts of the agency.
In some places, the cuts are already affecting operations. Staffing shortages have meant some weather balloons couldn’t be launched, which are a crucial tool for monitoring atmospheric conditions.
Hurricane seasons have been particularly active in recent years, with the last quiet season happening in 2015.[5] Cuts to NOAA's budget could lead to reduced research flights, limiting the amount of real-time data collected on developing storms. This includes data from weather balloons and aircraft, which are crucial for accurate hurricane forecasts. Ultimately, the National Hurricane Center (a division within NOAA) may have fewer resources to track hurricanes, issue forecasts and provide timely warnings.[6]
It was also announced in May of 2024 that the federal government would no longer be updating their database that tracks the financial toll of billion-dollar diasters in the U.S.[7]
What You Can Do
To prepare for hurricane season, or whatever weather conditions most impact your area, it’s important to understand your current policy fully. Reach out to your insurer for more details if you’re unsure what’s in your policy.
There isn’t actually hurricane insurance, but parts of your homeowners policy may cover damage related to hurricanes and tornadoes. Damage from a hurricane is usually caused by what’s known as “covered perils.” You may want to consider adding flood insurance, as it is often the cause of hurricane damage.
While changes in the NOAA may mean less research and ultimately less advance notice for things like hurricanes and other natural disasters, you can still be as prepared as possible to protect your property when storms do hit.