Fact Check: "Hurricane forecasters face 'bigger gaps' in storm data as DoD cuts access."
What We Know
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced that it will no longer provide crucial satellite weather data that has been used by hurricane forecasters for over 40 years. This data is essential for monitoring atmospheric and oceanic conditions, which are critical for accurate hurricane forecasting, especially during peak hurricane season in the Atlantic (NPR). The Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, part of the Navy, has historically processed this data and shared it with scientists and weather forecasters (NPR).
Experts have expressed concern over this decision, noting that the data allows forecasters to observe the structure of hurricanes in real-time, which is vital for predicting their paths and intensities (NPR, AP News). The cessation of this data sharing could lead to "bigger gaps" in the information available to forecasters, potentially impacting public safety (The Guardian).
Analysis
The claim that hurricane forecasters will face "bigger gaps" in storm data due to the DoD's decision is supported by multiple credible sources. The NPR report highlights the importance of the data for real-time hurricane monitoring and forecasting, stating that forecasters rely on it to identify storm structures and predict intensification (NPR). Brian Tang, a hurricane researcher, emphasized that this data is regularly used by forecasters, indicating its critical role in hurricane prediction (NPR).
Moreover, the Associated Press reported that experts are warning of severe impacts on hurricane forecasts due to this data cutoff, reinforcing the claim that the loss of this information will create significant gaps in forecasting capabilities (AP News). The Guardian also corroborated these concerns, stating that the decision could hinder the ability to track hurricanes effectively (The Guardian).
While the DoD cited cybersecurity concerns as the reason for stopping data sharing, the lack of transparency regarding these concerns raises questions about the decision's implications for public safety and scientific research (NPR). The reliability of the sources discussing this issue, including NPR, AP News, and The Guardian, is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards.
Conclusion
The claim that hurricane forecasters face "bigger gaps" in storm data due to the DoD's cuts in access is True. The cessation of crucial satellite data sharing will likely hinder the ability of forecasters to monitor and predict hurricanes effectively, as supported by multiple credible sources and expert opinions.
Sources
- Weather satellite - Wikipedia
- Defense department cuts weather satellite data
- The government cuts key data used in hurricane forecasting
- Sudden loss of key US satellite data could send hurricane forecasts into chaos
- The government cuts key data used in hurricane forecasting, and experts warn of consequences
