Introduction to Space City Weather
Houston’s Space City Weather (SCW) blog and app have become go-to sources for weather information, attracting 5 million annual visitors. What sets SCW apart is its straightforward, hype-free approach to forecasting, courtesy of meteorologists Matt Lanza and Eric Berger. This approach, while informative and soothing, poses a unique challenge: how to convey the urgency of severe weather alerts without resorting to hyperbole.
The Challenge of Conveying Urgency
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to man-made climate change has normalized these occurrences, making it harder for SCW to convey the seriousness of such events. As Matt Lanza noted, the media often walks a fine line between accurately reporting severe weather and being accused of hype. The reality is that these events have real impacts on people’s lives, and it’s crucial to find a way to communicate this urgency effectively.
Partnering for Effective Communication
To address this challenge, SCW partnered with University of Houston Professor of Psychology Steven Paul Woods and his doctoral student, Natalie C. Ridgely. Their goal was to develop a messaging system and a new flood scale that would motivate people to take safety precautions during severe weather events. Woods’ expertise in how people access, understand, and use health information was adapted to answer questions about weather communication.
Testing the New Flood Scale
Woods, Ridgely, and their team conducted a study with 100 Gulf Coast residents, presenting them with weather forecasts of varying severity. The participants were divided into two groups: one reviewed the previous flood scale model, while the other reviewed a new enhanced scale focused on predictive consumer behavior. The new scale framed flood warnings in terms of specific actions people should take, such as fueling vehicles or identifying safety routes. The results showed that users who reviewed the new scale were more likely to prepare for storms.
Implementing the New Scale
SCW has implemented the new flood scale on its site, just in time for the middle of the Atlantic hurricane season. This change aims to provide residents with clear information to make informed safety decisions. The 1-5 scale offers a simple checklist of safety behaviors, from monitoring emergency frequencies to preparing to move to higher ground. Sometimes, in disastrous situations, people need reminders of simple yet crucial tasks.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Space City Weather and Professor Woods’ team has led to a more effective way of communicating severe weather alerts. By framing warnings in terms of specific actions, SCW hopes to motivate residents to take necessary precautions. As Matt Lanza said, it’s essential to ensure that the information provided is not only meaningful but also scientifically sound. With the new flood scale, SCW is taking a significant step towards keeping Houstonians informed and safe during severe weather events.
