Loss of Language Translations, Cuts Across NWS Not a Concern at Nation Hurricane Center

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is assuring the public that its operations will remain unaffected despite recent budget cuts and the discontinuation of language translation services for non-English speakers by the National Weather Service (NWS). Earlier this month, the NWS announced it would no longer provide translated products for non-English-speaking audiences due to the expiration of a contract with its third-party language provider. This change comes amid broader budget reductions affecting several federal agencies, including the NWS, as part of cost-cutting efforts pushed by the Trump administration.

Language Translation Services Discontinued

The cancellation of translation services means that weather alerts and updates will no longer be officially available in languages other than English through the NWS. These translations were especially critical during hurricane season for communities where English is not the primary language. Although these services were still considered “experimental” during the last hurricane season, many communities had begun to rely on them. Their loss is raising concerns about communication gaps during emergencies, particularly for Spanish-speaking residents and other vulnerable populations who depend on accessible weather information.

Hurricane Center Director Responds

NBC6 meteorologist Ryan Phillips spoke with Michael Brennan, director of NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, to address growing concerns about how the cutbacks might impact hurricane season preparedness and response. Brennan reassured viewers that the NHC is fully equipped to continue providing vital services. “No, I think we’re ready to continue doing what we’re doing here with our staff and the expertise we have,” Brennan said. “We’ll keep issuing the forecasts, the watches and warnings, and the products people have come to know and trust here at the NHC.” He emphasized that coordination with federal, state, and local agencies remains strong and that public safety remains a top priority.

Reaching Non-English Speakers Through Alternative Channels

While the NWS’s official translation services have ended, Brennan highlighted that alternative methods will still help bridge the language gap. The NHC will continue working with Spanish-language media to distribute important weather updates, ensuring key messages reach the audiences who need them most.

“We have the ability through our staff here to reach Spanish language media and get information out in the language that it needs to be,” Brennan explained. “We also have partners in local National Weather Service offices and international meteorological agencies who can relay that information to their populations in the languages they need.”

Even without formal translation contracts, the NHC is confident it can effectively reach diverse communities through media partnerships and coordination with other agencies. As hurricane season approaches, the NHC continues to urge the public to stay informed, follow trusted sources, and have a plan in place—regardless of language barriers.