1. Survey Discussion Steve Wilkinson Warning Coordination Meteorologist National Weather Service Jackson, Mississippi

2. Importance of Trained Spotter Reports When we put “trained spotters reported a tornado” 81% take immediate shelter When we put “trained spotters reported a tornado” 81% take immediate shelter Compare this with: Compare this with: - “Doppler radar indicated a tornado near your location” - 68% - “A tornado was near your location” – 66% - “Public reported a tornado” - 61% - “Doppler radar indicated a possible tornado” - 25% - “NWS meteorologists..severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado” – 24% Bottom two are currently default wording unless we get a report Bottom two are currently default wording unless we get a report

3. Most effective sources of warning information NOAA Weather Radio (28%) NOAA Weather Radio (28%) Cell phone services – (24%) Cell phone services – (24%) Television – (22%) Television – (22%) Sirens – (8%) Sirens – (8%) Automated calls getting more widespread across the area (3.6%) Automated calls getting more widespread across the area (3.6%) Social media (3.4% but likely higher for younger generation) Social media (3.4% but likely higher for younger generation)

4. Strong Wording in Outlook…Watches and Warnings 91% say that they prepare more than normal when they hear: - Violent and strong tornado potential - Long track tornadoes - Particularly Dangerous Situation Please help us get the word out when we use strong wording

5. Those who do not take immediate cover 31% seek a second source of information before taking cover (assume it is in their area) Typical scenario – 44% take immediate cover and 31% take cover when they hear the warning from a second source This leaves 25% that wait for visual confirmation or take no action How do we reach these people?

6. How many tornado warnings are issued for your location each year? 27% picked more than 10 warnings 27% picked more than 10 warnings 24% picked 7-10 warnings 24% picked 7-10 warnings 33% picked 4-6 warnings 33% picked 4-6 warnings 84% believe they are warned 4+ times each year 84% believe they are warned 4+ times each year Accurate if consider warnings by county...but using polygons the average in JAN CWA is 3/year Accurate if consider warnings by county...but using polygons the average in JAN CWA is 3/year

7. Recommendation from Joplin MO Service Assessment The NWS should collaborate with partners throughout the weather enterprise to provide a better coordinated warning message. Guidance should be developed to assist partners in the development of local warning systems and siren strategies that work in conjunction with the NWS warnings rather than independent of them.

8. We need to get sirens and weather radio consistent with the polygon warnings Midland Radio will be conducting a test in northern Alabama soon with the goal of accelerating the delivery of site specific weather radios – Bruce MCDEMA…MEMA…NWS are forming a team to develop recommended siren policies for the state