1. Amanda Graning Meteorologist/Forecaster
Matt Taraldsen Saint Cloud State University Meteorology-Communications Student
Dr. Suzanne Stangl-Erkens Communication Studies, SCSU
Dr. Anthony Hansen Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, SCSU
Amanda Graning Meteorologist/Forecaster
Pete Boulay MN State Climatologist
MNgage

2. Post Storm Survey (PSS)
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.

3. Post Storm Survey (PSS)
Motivation
“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
Improve communication & effectiveness of winter weather information and threat by gaining insight into perceptions and decision making processes related to hazardous winter weather.

4. The Post Storm Survey After a Winter Event Ends
A link to the brief event specific survey is posted on the PSS homepage
Survey is open to take for 3 days immediately following a winter storm that requires a warning to be issued by the local NWS office.
Additional links to the survey will be posted on the PSS homepage in the case of multiple or overlapping winter storms
Survey Results will be Posted online and Available to Anyone

5. Post Storm Survey Details
Not a Critique of Forecast Accuracy
Utilized Range of Departments at SCSU
Statistics, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Communication Studies, Technology
Created to follow Online Surveying Methods
Questions were formulated similar to previous surveys on parallel topics
Post Storm Survey project was approved by SCSU Review Board and NWS Central Region Headquarters in March 2008

6. Post Storm Survey Details
Post Storm Survey Homepage is Hosted on SCSU Web Server
Test Season was Conducted Winter 2008
Survey will Continue to be operational through next two Winter Seasons: &
Multiple Online Locations to Access Survey
News Section of Several Participating NWS Homepages
MN State Climatologist & MN Hidden Program
SCSU Meteorology Department Web Page
Multiple Media Partner Web Sites
Many more coming soon!

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

8. Test Season Events March-April 2008
Lucky to Get a Wide Range of Winter Storms (All Affected NE Minnesota & NW Wisconsin)
Blizzard of 2008 April 11th
Snow Event of March 18th
Snowfall Amounts March 18th
Winter Storm of 2008 April 6th

9. Post Storm Survey
Please Refer to the Results Slideshow for a look into the Post Storm Survey Questions and Responses from the Test Season of 2008

10. Test Season Conclusions
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?
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” in Minnesota?

11. How to get involved?
Survey results will be updated as new cases are explored.
If you are interested in becoming a partner, and hosting a link to the Post Storm Survey on your website,
please send an to

12. Thank You!
Matt Taraldsen Saint Cloud State University Meteorology-Communications Student