10/17/25

How Federal Cuts Hampered West Alaska’s Storm Forecasts

10:44 minutes

An aerial view of a completely flooded areas, where roads and homes are damaged.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s helicopter view of Kipnuk, Alaska, after coastal flooding impacted several western Alaska communities, Oct. 12, 2025. Credit: U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Kodiak

Residents of western Alaska are recovering from record-setting flooding from the remnants of Typhoon Halong. The storms left at least one confirmed dead and displaced thousands of residents, with officials still trying to assess the damage. Maggie Koerth, a climate and weather editor for CNN, joins Host Ira Flatow to describe how federal cuts may have affected the accuracy of Alaskan weather forecasts.

They also discuss the link between coral declines and a climate tipping point, a growing weak spot in Earth’s magnetic field, research into how we smell, and an archeological investigation into ancient chewing gum.


Donate To Science Friday

Invest in quality science journalism by making a donation to Science Friday.

Donate

Segment Guests

Maggie Koerth

Maggie Koerth is a science journalist and a climate editor at CNN.

Segment Transcript

The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.

Meet the Producers and Host

About Charles Bergquist

As Science Friday’s director and senior producer, Charles Bergquist channels the chaos of a live production studio into something sounding like a radio program. Favorite topics include planetary sciences, chemistry, materials, and shiny things with blinking lights.

About Ira Flatow

Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science FridayHis green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.

Explore More