It's stormy at Hurricane Center

MIAMI — When there is tension at the National Hurricane Center, it's usually because a powerful storm is bearing down on Miami, New Orleans or another U.S. city. But the turmoil these days is focused on demands from many staffers that the center's new director be ousted.

Bill Proenza said in an interview Friday that he has no intention of resigning but will step down if his bosses feel it is best for the center and the public. About half the center's employees say Proenza has undermined the public's confidence in them by exaggerating the forecasting problems they would face if an aging weather satellite failed.

The director and his employees were able to agree on one thing — the center is still capable of protecting coastal residents from hurricanes as the Atlantic season begins its traditionally busiest months.

"With or without the satellite, you are safe," senior hurricane specialist Lixion Avila said. "The center is going to work with Proenza, without Proenza."

But the tension was palpable as reporters camped outside the concrete bunker-like building. Proenza gave an interview no more than 20 feet from his forecasters, who quietly went on with their work behind a glass wall with shades drawn. The room where reporters usually transmit updates on approaching storms was instead the scene of an internal dispute gone public.

Twenty-three staffers released a statement late Thursday urging the Commerce Department, which oversees the center, to appoint a new leader.

"Nobody's happy about doing what we did," senior hurricane specialist James Franklin said. "We tried so hard not to go this route. There are costs involved, but the costs of not speaking up for the nation's hurricane program were higher in the long run."

Proenza blamed many of the problems on a Commerce Department team sent this week to review the center's management and organizational structure, and its ability to provide accurate, timely information.

He said some staffers felt pressure by the team's presence and joined the call for his ouster because they did not want to be seen aligned with him.

Proenza acknowledged some disagreements with the staff about "what we want for new capability, new science and technology." But, he asked, "Does that justify removing someone?"

Proenza, 62, said if his superiors asked him to resign, he would respect that decision. Proenza assumed the job in January after a 40-year government weather service career, taking over from longtime Director Max Mayfield, who was widely praised by his former colleagues.