Deadly tornadoes just tore through Kentucky, killing at least 19 people. One question is haunting survivors: Could more lives have been saved with stronger warnings?

The National Weather Service (NWS) office responsible for the London, KY region had a staggering 25% vacancy rate in March. The Louisville, Kentucky, weather service staff was down 29%. Both are well above the 20% threshold that experts call a critical failure.

These aren’t just bureaucratic gaps. These are missing forecasters, warning coordinators, and public safety professionals in a region hit by violent storms.

These staffing shortages didn’t happen by accident. They’re the result of cuts and hiring freezes imposed under Trump and DOGE. 

In an era of intensifying climate disasters, the people of Kentucky cannot be left in the path of storms without the tools to stay safe. We need fully staffed, fully funded weather service offices now.

We demand the Trump administration immediately reverse cuts to the National Weather Service, restore full staffing to offices across Kentucky, and invest in the infrastructure needed to protect our communities.

Sign the petition — because when tornadoes strike, every second counts.