Hurricane Season Is Here and Federal Support May Be Thin.

Another intense hurricane season is on the horizon, and Benbrook residents — like millions of others across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts — are being urged to prepare now.

Forecasts call for 13 to 19 named storms, with several expected to strengthen into full-blown hurricanes, and up to five possibly reaching major Category 3 strength or higher.

That’s a heavy forecast on its own. What makes it even more concerning is what’s happening behind the scenes at the federal level. Agencies like NOAA and FEMA — the country’s main weather and disaster response forces — have been struggling with deep staffing cuts and leadership shakeups since early 2017.

At NOAA, over 560 employees have left the National Weather Service. Many were specialists in forecasting and emergency communication. Some local offices along the Gulf Coast are short on experienced meteorologists, technicians, and storm warning experts. That means less tailored and timely updates for specific regions, especially if multiple storms hit close together.

FEMA hasn’t fared much better. Since January, about 10% of the agency’s workforce has left, and that number could triple by the end of the year. The agency, which coordinates nationwide disaster responses, is dealing with internal confusion about its mission and how quickly it should act during emergencies. FEMA took nearly two months to approve disaster aid after deadly tornadoes hit earlier this year, drawing frustration even from Republican lawmakers.

Meanwhile, climate change is fueling stronger, wetter storms that form faster and hit harder. Communities are increasingly vulnerable, especially with fewer boots on the ground and no clear playbook at the federal level. While FEMA has reopened some training centers and extended contracts for emergency workers, critics say those efforts may be too little, too late.

So what does this mean for Benbrook? Don’t wait to prepare. Stock up, know and share evacuation routes, and talk with your family about what to do if a storm heads our way. Local and state help may be ready, but federal backup could take longer than usual to arrive, if it does at all.

This hurricane season, personal preparedness isn’t just smart. It might be essential.