Matt Taraldsen Matt Taraldsen Saint Cloud State University Meteorology-Communications Student MNgageMNgage Survey Questions & Test Season Responses Amanda Graning Forecaster/Meteorologist National Weather Service, WFO Duluth, MN

This survey was created by Matt Taraldsen, a meteorology student at Saint Cloud State University, under the guidance of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences professor Dr. Anthony Hansen, Communication Studies professor Suzanne Stangl- Erkens and meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Duluth, Minnesota. This survey was created by Matt Taraldsen, a meteorology student at Saint Cloud State University, under the guidance of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences professor Dr. Anthony Hansen, Communication Studies professor Suzanne Stangl- Erkens and meteorologists from the National Weather Service office in Duluth, Minnesota. Post Storm Survey (PSS)

Post Storm Survey (PSS) Need a process by which WFO [Weather Forecast Offices] can systematically gather local customer input and local research results … and turn that information into improved products and services Ray Wolf – Science and Operations Officer (Science Operations Officer) NWS WFO Davenport, IA Goal Motivation Improve communication & effectiveness of winter weather information and threat by gaining insight into perceptions and decision making processes related to hazardous winter weather.

Test Season March-April 2008 Only included winter storms that Affected Duluth, MN Forecast Area Only included winter storms that Affected Duluth, MN Forecast Area Proposed for Winter Events Requiring a Warning. Proposed for Winter Events Requiring a Warning. Didnt quite work that way…No Storms. Didnt quite work that way…No Storms. Winter finally arrive March & April 2008 Winter finally arrive March & April 2008 Posted Survey for Three Winter Events Posted Survey for Three Winter Events One case (March 18 th ) did not have a Warning but was still used in Test season dataOne case (March 18 th ) did not have a Warning but was still used in Test season data Received over 500 responses Total Received over 500 responses Total

Post Storm Survey Test Season; March-April 2008 Data went into an interactive web based interface Data went into an interactive web based interface Analyzed by Matt Taraldsen Analyzed by Matt Taraldsen Presented Test Season Results: Presented Test Season Results: Partners and Faculty at SCSU Partners and Faculty at SCSU Presented at Northern Plains Winter Storm Conference 2008 Presented at Northern Plains Winter Storm Conference 2008 Will be a few adjustments to questions for season Will be a few adjustments to questions for season

Wide Range of Winter Storms (All Affected NE Minnesota & NW Wisconsin) Test Season Events March-April 2008 Snowfall Amounts March 18th Blizzard of 2008 April 11 th Winter Storm of 2008 April 6 th Snow Event of March 18 th Non-Warning Event

The Post Storm Survey Questions

PSS Questions

Survey Responses and Results Blizzard of April 11th 303 Respondents Winter Storm of April 6 th 103 Respondents Snow Event of March 18 th 100 Respondents total respondents!

Question: Where do you get your weather information on a regular basis? (Select all that apply) * Combined responses from all 3 events Responses

Question: During this storm, where did you get your weather information? (Select All that Apply) * Combined responses from all 3 events Responses

Based on the forecast, what special preparations did you take for this storm? (select all that apply) Question: Based on the forecast, what special preparations did you take for this storm? (select all that apply) Responses Blizzard 2008 April 11 th

Question: Based on the forecast, what special preparations did you take for this storm ? (select all that apply) Responses Winter Storm 2008 April 6 th

Based on the forecast, what special preparations did you take for this storm ? (select all that apply) Responses Snow Event 2008 March 18 th

Question: Based on the forecast, what special preparations did you take for this storm? Blizzard Food and Water: 28% Gas: 24% Increased Communication: 25% Nothing: 11% Extra Driving Time: 4% Winter Storm Food and Water: 11% Gas: 17% Increased Communication: 21% Nothing: 37% Extra Driving Time: 4% Winter Storm Food and Water: 11% Gas: 17% Increased Communication: 21% Nothing: 37% Extra Driving Time: 4% Snow Event Food and Water: 4% Gas: 17% Increased Communication: 12% Nothing: 59% Extra Driving Time: 4%Responses

Snow Advisory 2008 March 18th (Open Response)

Snow Advisory 2008 March 18th (Open Response)

Winter Storm 2008 April 6th (Open Response)

Winter Storm 2008 April 6th (Open Response)

Blizzard 2008 April 11 th (Open Response)

Blizzard 2008 April 11 th (Open Response)

Interesting perception… I live in Northern MN, a snow storm with 25 is not a big deal.I live in Northern MN, a snow storm with 25 is not a big deal. These kind of open responses introduced the idea to include a question along the lines of : On a scale from 1 to 10, how does this storm compare to typical winter storm in this area? Please select a number from 1 to 10, with 1 meaning this was a very common storm and 10 meaning it was an extremely rare storm.

Conclusions Significant number of respondents stated they altered their routine because concerned about road conditions/travel. Significant number of respondents stated they altered their routine because concerned about road conditions/travel. People did not react as much to meteorlogic terminology such as sleet and freezing rain; not a direct impact? People did not react as much to meteorlogic terminology such as sleet and freezing rain; not a direct impact? There was an increase in preparedness (gas, food water, communication) with highly anticipated blizzard versus low end snow event There was an increase in preparedness (gas, food water, communication) with highly anticipated blizzard versus low end snow event Climatology plays major factor….what is viewed as normal Minnesota? Climatology plays major factor….what is viewed as normal Minnesota?

Post Storm Survey Please Refer to the All About the PSS Slideshow for details into the Post Storm Survey and background on its development.All About the PSS Slideshow

How to get involved? If you are interested in hosting a link to the Post Storm Survey on your website, please send an to If you are interested in hosting a link to the Post Storm Survey on your website, please send an to

Thank You! Matt Taraldsen Matt Taraldsen Saint Cloud State University Meteorology-Communications Student Amanda Graning Forecaster/Meteorologist National Weather Service, WFO Duluth, MN