Storm damage assessments delayed in Kentucky: Here’s why

Video note: Despite this article’s time stamp, the above video is the latest forecast from The Weather Authority.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Parts of Louisville have already been devastated by severe weather, and inclement conditions are expected to persist.

The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Jefferson County overnight on April 3, ripping roofs off buildings and dispersing debris.

Typically, National Weather Service crews will be dispatched to survey the aftermath to determine the storm’s track and intensity and confirm tornadoic activity. However, things will look a bit different this go-around.

In a Wednesday memo, the Louisville National Weather Service office expressed that crews wouldn’t be able to survey damage for days.

“Due to lack of available staffing and an active prolonged threat of severe weather and hydro concerns the next several days, NWS Louisville will likely not be able to send staff out to do damage surveys until after the weather becomes more towards the end of the weekend,” Brian Neudroff, NWS meteorologist, said.

It’s unclear what induced staffing shortages, but in late February, more than 500 probationary staff members were terminated across NOAA, including NWS employees.

“I view it as an uninformed, cruel step,” said Dr. Louis Uccellini, who served as the service’s director from 2013 to 2022. “There are a number of people let go from offices already staffed at fairly low levels.”

In a news conference on Thursday afternoon, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg addressed concerns regarding the National Weather Service’s absence in the storm’s aftermath.

He affirmed that the weather service plays a key role in their preparation and in the assistance provided in the aftermath.

“We rely heavily on our federal partners, particularly during severe weather events like this. We rely on the National Weather Service for their accurate and very helpful forecasts so that we can prepare for situations like this, so that people can be safe when events like this come through,” Greenberg said. “So we are very hopeful that we will continue to have the full cooperation and support of all federal agencies, the National Weather Service, FEMA, and others, and we’re hopeful that regardless of any cuts that have been made, the resources are available, in terms of people and dollars, to help us right here in Louisville.”