Characterizing Spanish-Speaking Broadcast Meteorologists’ Challenges Communicating Multiple Hazards in Landfalling Tropical Cyclones

This research aims to understand how broadcast meteorologists communicate weather hazards to Spanish-speaking and bilingual audiences across diverse media markets in the US. Through ethnographic observations conducted from April to September 2024 at various television stations, preliminary findings reveal significant methodological insights and highlight the complexities of delivering weather information effectively to linguistically and culturally diverse groups. Some results include defining overlapping elements of risk communication in bilingual meteorologists from different markets, shaped by professional trajectories, cultural background, and engagement with Hispanic and Latinx communities.

Our goal is to enhance understanding of the strategies used by meteorologists to tailor and deliver risk information during catastrophic events, particularly landfalling tropical cyclones that present multiple hazards such as wind and water threats. The study focuses on adapting communication practices to address the needs of Spanish-speaking communities, which often face linguistic and cultural barriers in accessing critical weather information.

By collaborating with several TV stations, our observations have centered on the meteorologists' workflow, interaction with technology, and engagement with their audiences. These interactions provide a foundation for identifying effective practices and potential areas for improvement in weather broadcasting tailored to bilingual audiences.

The insights gained aim to inform ongoing efforts to improve public safety communications and enhance the operational application of research findings within the meteorological community, ultimately helping to bridge the information gap for Spanish-speaking populations during severe weather events.