HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) - Even though the federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. eastern time Wednesday, employees at National Weather Service offices across the country stayed at their posts.

The United States federal government is large, and encompasses a lot of agencies. Inside that is the Department of Commerce, which houses NOAA and the National Weather Service.

As many branches of NOAA deal with weather forecasting, data collection and public safety, those offices must remain open; even when the government is shut down.

“Because we are excepted employees now, we’re able to continue with all of our normal operations,” said Mike Moritz, the Warning Coordination Meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Hastings. “In years past, there was some limitations on public sp

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