Federal funding cuts: Oklahoma State Emergency Management says it's too early to identify impacts

A list of office buildings earmarked for closure now includes a NOAA facility in Norman, according to the Department of Government Efficiency website.

The online webpage reveals limited information about the location, the decision to terminate the lease for the physical space, or the associated impact for employees or services. However, the value of the lease itself aligns to data from the General Services Administration, which identifies the facility as the Radar Operations Center located at 1200 Westheimer Drive.

The decision marks the 15th federal building lease in Oklahoma terminated under the direction of the newly established entity led by billionaire Elon Musk.

It also follows nationwide layoffs at NOAA and the National Weather Service, including some employees in Norman. Agency spokespersons have not confirmed exactly how many employees were terminated in Norman or which exact areas they worked in.

As Oklahoma enters its severe weather season, the cuts have created new questions about emergency preparedness for the state. Right now, the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management said it has been given no cause for concern.

"We haven't talked to them directly about their staffing levels, but the services that they've traditionally provided, they're still providing at this time," said OEM public affairs director Keli Cain. She said OEM has been in communication with NWS this week for several rounds of severe weather.

Outside the National Weather Center office in Norman, dozens of items have been left on the main sign for the property, including flowers and candles.

NOAA and NWS spokespersons have not yet provided answers about the Westheimer Drive facility and the fate of its people, equipment, and services.