Bad Tornado Watch Due to Trump? Answer: NO!

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The answer is NO!

The story is a bit of a mess and won't try to explain all of it. Here are the bottom lines:
  • Yes, the tornado forecasts, including the watch, on the 13th (Monday's tornadoes in Ottawa and in Miami County) were objectively poor. But few meteorologists who are familiar with tornado forecasting believe the weather balloon issue was the determining factor. 
  • As to people, the 5-person team that issues tornado watches has been staffed with five well-qualified meteorologists the entire time. No cuts. 
  • With regard to the tornado warning for Belton on the 17th, it was out six minutes before the tornado even formed. While a little more lead-time would have been nice, 6 minutes is adequate to dash to the basement. 
The above said, the senior leadership of the NWS and NOAA need to resolve the weather balloon issue as soon as possible and the resolution should be based on meteorological science rather than convenience. 

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