Second, it’s at the top because it’s a public good of obviously enormous value that a common shmuck can understand.
... in providing a weather forecast?
Accurate, scientific information to make informed decisions that can affect your safety and well-being. If you have to drive over a bridge or close to a body of water every day but you know there is a high chance of flooding tomorrow would you still travel to the same high risk area?
What do you think is the role of government? To improve the lives of its citizens should be up there, do you agree?
A private service will provide a profitable service, which will be cut-down, nickel-and-dimed, and generally enshitified for profitability,
Financially, the relatively small cost of these public services makes a negligible contribution to taxes while providing huge national benefits.
The NWS worked perfectly and they were warned in time.
Are you honestly interested in discussion or are you more interested in pushing a particular narrative?