In the weeks leading up to the devastating floods in Texas, five former directors of the National Weather Service sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump warning that continued cuts to the budget would result in the deaths of people.

President Donald Trump was asked about cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS) after deadly Texas floods left at least 80 people dead. Speaking to reporters, the president dismissed concerns that there needed to be extra staff at the weather service and said the flooding was an unexpected "once-in-a-100-years" event.

Trump’s pick to lead the NOAA, Neil Jacobs, was chief atmospheric scientist for Panasonic Weather Solutions and has been a vocal proponent of privatization. The president’s nominee for another top NOAA post, Taylor Jordan, is a lobbyist with a roster of weather-related clients.

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The president and first lady visited Kerrville to meet local officials and families of the victims of the recent flooding. Trump promised federal support, but his team emphasized the state's role.

More rain will hit Texas this weekend, with localized amounts as high as 8 inches, only a week after the region was inundated with flash floods. National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists issued widespread flood watches across the Lonestar State on Friday,