Researchers studying how residents respond to tornado warnings reveal that factors like location, time of day, and personal experience significantly impact warning receipt and risk perception. Many residents underestimate their risk and exhibit unsafe behaviors despite understanding safety guidelines, often due to barriers like power outages and hearing impairments. The study also found that tornado understanding varies by region and that forecasters face challenges detecting certain types of tornadoes, especially at night. Overall, the research suggests that most people aren’t complacent during a tornado warning; they actively take some form of action, even if it’s just checking their phone.
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