An Update on the Experimental Severe Weather Impact Graphics Project

The NWS has been creating experimental severe weather impact graphics for tornado, severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings since June of 2014 and in July of 2016 expanded to include severe thunderstorm and tornado watches. The purpose of providing NWS short­fuse warnings and watches in graphical format is to increase accessibility to these life­saving products via interfaces that are not conducive to the display of plain text products. This encourages greater availability and more sharing of the warning or watch message to platforms specializing in rapid sharing of perishable information, such as mobile devices and social media sites.

The graphics are most commonly accessed via Twitter using the @NWSTornado, @NWSSevereTstorm, @NWSFlashFlood and local WFO Twitter accounts. The images include information on timing, threats and potential exposure associated with the watch or warning.

This presentation will discuss the evolution of the project over the last three years as well as highlight the changes made for the 2017 severe weather season. Preliminary feedback from users will also be discussed.