As Hurricane Milton approaches the southeastern United States, meteorologists are experiencing a surge in harassment and threats, with accusations of government manipulation of weather patterns. The situation escalated after Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck Florida in quick succession, leaving devastation in their wake.
Hurricane Helene made landfall in late September as a Category 4 storm, marking the deadliest hurricane to hit the U.S. mainland in nearly two decades, followed closely by Hurricane Milton, which intensified into a Category 3 storm, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and widespread flooding.
Experts have noted that the scrutiny faced by meteorologists is amplified during significant weather events. Marshall Shepherd, director of the University of Georgia's Atmospheric Sciences Program, remarked on the noticeable increase in aggression towards weather professionals during this time.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personnel have also reported harassment, including false claims regarding disaster aid mismanagement. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell expressed concern over the demoralizing impact of such rhetoric on agency staff.
Disinformation surrounding the hurricanes, particularly claims of government control over storms, has circulated widely, primarily among conservative circles. Meteorologists have faced backlash for countering these falsehoods, complicating their efforts to provide accurate forecasts.
Matthew Cappucci, a meteorologist based in Washington, D.C., described receiving numerous hostile messages during the hurricanes, reflecting a troubling trend of mistrust towards weather experts. The ongoing harassment poses a risk to the integrity of weather forecasting and public safety, as it may undermine the crucial role meteorologists play in disaster preparedness.