Weather Graphics en Español: How Spanish Speakers Interpret NWS Watch and Warning Graphics

The National Weather Service (NWS) uses different products to communicate severe weather risk information. It is important that these products contain information that can help users prepare for and make decisions in advance of severe weather, such as securing objects or taking shelter in case of a tornado. Some of these products, such as severe weather watches and warnings graphics, are posted to National Weather Service social media accounts. To reach a broader audience these graphics are also translated into Spanish. The Spanish speaking population in the United States is composed mainly of people of Hispanic descent (93.6%), and is currently the largest non-English speaking group, accounting for 30% of the total U.S. population. Coming from different backgrounds and weather experiences, Spanish speakers may have different ways of interpreting and understanding severe weather products, which can affect the way they respond to a severe weather hazard (Gaviria-Pabon 2022). This study uses data from a nationwide survey to understand how Spanish speakers understand and respond to NWS severe weather watch and warning graphics. Results show how Spanish speakers interpret these graphics, as well as the decisions they make after being shown these forecast products.