Integrating Social Science into National Weather Service Operations

Integrating social science into forecast operations is crucial for the National Weather Service (NWS) to enhance community resilience and fulfill its mission of protecting life, property, and the economy. The Newport/Morehead City, NC, Weather Forecast Office (WFO) is spearheading an initiative to identify and define local weather-related and socioeconomic vulnerabilities in eastern North Carolina. Now in its third year, this project focused on developing a comprehensive county-by-county atlas and maintaining a database of vulnerable communities to improve impact-based decision-making.

Key components of this initiative include community outreach through emergency preparedness events, forums, interviews with Emergency Managers, and collaboration with Warning Coordination Meteorologists. By optimizing outreach efforts and improving access to timely and actionable meteorological data in vulnerable communities, this project aligns with the NWS's goal of creating a Weather-Ready Nation. Identifying the three most vulnerable communities in each county within the warning area enables NWS staff to focus outreach efforts effectively and tailor informational materials to meet the specific needs of these communities. This targeted approach enhances the NWS's ability to serve and protect both the community and its core partners.