Speaking Fluent ‘Storm’: The Importance of Communication within The National Hurricane

Communication is key in all things. The National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center look to offer constancy in messaging in the evolving digital age. When faced with natural disasters ranging from storm surge to hurricane-force winds, the NHC looks to provide information through channels mostly dominated by influencers and “How To” videos. The change in online communication and the need for reachability and engagement is new to the agency but not something left untouched. The importance of social media usage is made apparent and this presentation shows its growth and how the NHC has increased its reach with many different demographics and cultures over time. By reaching into social media demographics it opens the lines of communication not just through a Facebook like or an X repost but by accessing tools to branch into podcasting, livestreams and more. The National Hurricane Center is making sure the professionals tracking hurricanes are the ones giving you the direct information all through various social media platforms on your phone.