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  • NWS Mount Holly to Undergo Scheduled System Upgrade; Temporary Service Adjustments Expected

    NWS Mount Holly to Undergo Scheduled System Upgrade; Temporary Service Adjustments Expected

    The National Weather Service Forecast Office in Mount Holly, NJ will be conducting a required, scheduled update to their Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) system from 8 AM EDT Tuesday, May 13, 2025 through approximately 5 PM EDT Thursday, May 15, 2025. The NWS uses the AWIPS computer system to display and integrate weather and water information, and to send life-saving information, such as weather and water warnings, to the public.

    During the time of the update, forecast operations will be conducted by the National Weather Service Forecast Office in New York, NY (Upton, NY) to minimize any potential interruption to services. No impacts to our core services of forecast products and weather watches, warnings and advisories are expected during this period. However, limited impacts will occur to the following services: 

    • All NOAA Weather Radio Transmitters maintained by NWS Philadelphia/Mount Holly will be off the air through the time of the install. This includes the following transmitters: Hibernia Park, PA; Philadelphia, PA; Allentown, PA; Sudlersville, MD; Lewes, DE; Southhard/Howell Township, NJ; Hardyston, NJ; and Atlantic City, NJ
    • Tidal water level forecast services will be updated less frequently through this period. Forecasts will remain available at water.noaa.gov/wfo/phi and www.weather.gov/erh/coastalflood?wfo=phi 
    • Local graphical forecast maps that are hosted in various places on www.weather.gov/phi will not be updated. This includes all maps on the Graphical Hazardous Weather Outlook page ( https://www.weather.gov/erh/ghwo?wfo=phi).

    The forecast office in Mount Holly, NJ will remain open and staffed throughout this period for public and partner phone calls and additional functions that can be completed without AWIPS.


    If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Johnson, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, by email at [email protected] or by phone at (609) 261-6602 extension 223.  

  • DOGE Looks To Terminate Critical NOAA Leases To NCEP And WPC

    DOGE Looks To Terminate Critical NOAA Leases To NCEP And WPC

    The Trump administration has notified the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of impending lease cancellations for two critical weather forecasting centers, including the NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in College Park, Maryland.

    Facilities Affected

    The NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction houses the National Weather Service’s National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), which includes the Environmental Modeling Center. This facility is integral to the development and operation of computer models essential for daily weather forecasting nationwide. The lease cancellation date remains undetermined.

    Government Efficiency Measures

    This action is part of broader efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, to reduce government office space leases. The initiative aims to streamline federal operations by terminating leases deemed non-essential.

    Criticism and Concerns

    Former NOAA officials and meteorologists have expressed alarm over the potential impacts on weather forecasting and public safety. Andrew Rosenberg, a former NOAA official, criticized the measure, likening it to using a “chainsaw” for government cuts.

    Al Roker, a prominent meteorologist, also condemned the decision, highlighting the risks posed by reducing the workforce responsible for tracking severe weather events.

    Legislative Response

    Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) is investigating the lease cancellations and has requested explanations from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This follows recent layoffs at NOAA, with reports indicating that approximately 600 employees, or 5% of the NOAA workforce, have been terminated.

    Potential Impact on Americans

    The lease cancellations and workforce reductions at NOAA could significantly impair the agency’s ability to provide accurate and timely weather forecasts. This degradation in forecasting capabilities may affect various sectors, including agriculture, aviation, and emergency management, potentially compromising public safety during extreme weather events.

    The situation underscores the critical role of NOAA in safeguarding lives and property through reliable weather prediction and highlights concerns about the consequences of diminishing federal support for essential scientific services.