A Cross-Cultural Examination of the Intersection of Trust in Forecast Information and Response to Warnings: Technological Advancements Have Greatly Enhanced Weather Prediction Capabilities

The growth in the communication sector has facilitated the expansion of dissemination weather forecast across a variety of communication platforms. Despite these advancements, weather related fatalities continue to occur, many of which can be prevent through taking protective actions prior to the severe weather event. However, it is argued that one of the key factors in getting the public to respond to calls for protection action is through enhancing their level of trust in forecast information. This study includes a cross-cultural analysis of the relationship between level of trust in the weather forecast systems among residents in communities heavily impacted by severe weather in Taiwan and the U.S.Technological advancements have greatly enhanced weather prediction capabilities, and the growth in the communication sector has facilitated the expansion of dissemination weather forecast across a variety of communication platforms. Despite these advancements, weather related fatalities continue to occur, many of which can be prevent through taking protective actions prior to the severe weather event. However, it is argued that one of the key factors in getting the public to respond to calls for protection action is through enhancing their level of trust in forecast information. This study includes a cross-cultural analysis of the relationship between level of trust in the weather forecast systems among residents in communities heavily impacted by severe weather in Taiwan and the U.S.