By Valerie Volcovici, Rich McKay and Leah Douglas WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Scientists and researchers are warning that the Trump administration's firing of hundreds of workers at NOAA, the agency that provides the U.

The terminations come days before a potential severe weather outbreak in the southeastern U.S. — and just months ahead of the next Atlantic hurricane season.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration houses key groups like the National Weather Service. Experts warn the consequences of employee cuts could be drastic.