Examining the relationship between severe weather watches, warnings, and protective actions during an unwarned tornadic event in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Keywords: 
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Previous experience and level of relevant knowledge of severe weather hazard risks affect how individuals respond to National Weather Service severe thunderstorm and tornado watch and warning products. Responses vary anywhere from business as usual to utilizing multiple technology-based systems to monitor storm severity and location. We surveyed residents of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to determine the different responses to the July 29th, 2024 severe weather event. The storms were aided by microscale processes that resulted in a brief unwarned EF-0 tornado, which became a short media spectacle after a video of damage to an area on a university campus was highly circulated on social and local news media. Despite the media focus on the unwarned tornado, straight-line winds associated with the storm were stronger (up to 80 mph) and created widespread storm damage throughout the city. This survey was distributed online and in person to collect information on the courses of action those in the area took during the event, as well as examine people’s general relationship with tornado and severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. Questions range from asking respondents how likely they are to take action after receiving a warning, to asking if respondents know the risks included in a severe thunderstorm warning such as hail, flooding, and strong winds. This work furthers our understanding of the relationships individuals have with severe weather watches and warnings, and aims to improve efforts to ensure public safety by providing more targeted information that can be utilized most efficiently by affected populations.