UNDERSTANDING HOW TORNADO FORECASTS AND WARNINGS ARE RECEIVED

Studies on forecast and warning reception focus on those issuing the products (i.e., forecasters) and those receiving the products (like emergency managers and members of the public). First, forecasters note some unique challenges related to tornado detection and warning issuance, particularly with short-lived tornadoes often occurring in QLCSs. Other challenges include nocturnal events with little or no ground truth, high-shear/low-CAPE events, and terrain and ground cover challenges. Studies of members of the public also find that nocturnal tornado warnings are challenging for people to receive. In regards to message design, the use of color and icons tends to draw attention, but overly complex designs can distract from the most critical information. Multiple studies in this category note that protective action information is vital to include in tornado messaging so people don’t have to find that information themselves, thus increasing the potential for them to find adequate shelter in a timely manner. This finding is particularly true for mobile home residents. Finally, research in this area found that false alarm tornado warnings may not be as impactful for future response as initially thought. These findings are helping forecasters disseminate messages in a quick, efficient manner that are easily received in multiple ways.

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