Ahead of the official start of hurricane season on June 1, officials at the National Hurricane Center are brushing off concerns over widespread cuts at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) offices — and reminding people about the importance of readiness instead.

“ Now is the time for communities all across the United States, all across the Atlantic Basin and East Pacific Basin to prepare and get ready for what is expected to be a busy hurricane season,” said Michael Brennan, the National Hurricane Center’s director.

NOAA is the government agency that oversees the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center.

Last month, National Weather Service forecast offices had 20% vacancy rates — twice the vacancy rate of a decade ago. This comes as a result of cuts

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