NWS Hazard Simplification Project: Options for a Watch, Warning System "Revamp" Based on Recent Social Science Results

The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Hazards Simplification (“Haz Simp”) project was initiated to assess the strengths and weaknesses of its current Warning, Watch, and Advisory (WWA) system and explore ways to improve and transform it. In collaboration with social scientists, forecasters, and core partners, NWS generated substantial support for refining our current product suite in the near term and exploring large-scale change in the long term.

The first phase of Haz Simp focused on reducing the number of WWA products (consolidate) and simplify (reformat) its product text. The second phase involved conducting a set of Generalizable Public Surveys to assess (1) understanding of the current WWA terms and (2) reaction to four proposed prototype systems that could serve as alternatives to WWA. Results of this survey showed poor understanding of the term ‘Advisory’ and confusion between the ‘Watch’ and ‘Warning’ terms. In addition, certain aspects of the prototypes performed better than the WWA system in promoting appropriate behavior. Informed by Survey results, NWS plans to gather extensive stakeholder feedback on two alternative options to WWA.

This presentation will provide an update on consolidation and reformatting of NWS products, an overview of the Generalizable Survey results, and the path of Haz Simp going forward.