Mass firings at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are raising alarms among former agency heads and scientists, who warn the cuts could put lives at risk and hurt the U.S. economy.

The latest round of cuts carried out by the Department of Government Efficiency, led by tech billionaire and Trump adviser Elon Musk, are expected to impact at least 10% of NOAA’s workforce with more cuts potentially on the horizon.

Hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees on probationary status were fired

The cuts came just before a separate wave of departures was expected under the Trump administration’s so-called deferred resignation program.

Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story Hundreds let go from NOAA The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began the process of firing hundreds of probationary workers Thursday,