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Key findings from storm assessments and societal studies show that a majority of
people identify local outdoor warning systems as their first source of warning and then seek
confirmation from additional sources before seeking shelter. Another key finding is that
credible risk signals prompt people to take protective actions.
presentation will outline a demonstration and evaluation of an effort to enhance National
Weather Service severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings to more effectively
communicate severe weather hazards to the media and Emergency Management
communities, in order to facilitate improved public response and decision making.
The Impact Based Warning experimental product began in 2012. Positive feedback is
supporting an expansion in the Spring of 2014 to include 38 offices in Central Region, 4 in
Southern Region, 1 in Eastern Region and 1 in Western Region.
The information added to severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings will be evident within
the third bullet of warning text, through Hazard, Source and Impact information.
Additional information will also be placed at the bottom of the warning with the addition
of the threat tags. Information will be presented within these threat tags to
provide quick identification of storm characteristics, including the presence of an
observed tornado, maximum expected hail size, as well as indications of forecaster
confidence regarding tornado damage potential.
communicate hazard and risk information only, and are not designed to identify tornado
intensity in relationship to an EF-scale.