The Journal added that FEMA “is already months behind schedule in its preparations for the hurricane season,” which forecasters expect will be busier than usual, like last year. The season’s official start date is June 1, but storm activity in the Atlantic has begun in late May in recent years.

In video viewed by The Wall Street Journal, newly appointed Director David Richardson says “clarifying the intent of the president”— who has called for terminating the agency—has been a challenge in preparing a strategy.