Severe Weather Phobia: Prevalence, Severity, and Traumatic Events

The primary objective of this study (as largely reported in Coleman, et. al., 2014) is to provide preliminary empirical evidence for the occurrence, symptoms, and spatial extent of severe-weather related phobias in the United States. Westefeld et al. (2006) published a short quantitative analysis on symptoms and behavior associated with severe-weather phobia which is described as "an intense, debilitating, unreasonable fear of severe weather" (p. 509). For comparison, we replicate and expand upon the Westefeld et al. (2006) study, noting several key differences. A larger sample from a more demographically and geographically diverse population subset was obtained, whereas the sample in Westefeld et al. (2006) were Caucasian, university students (< 25 years old) from one Midwestern location. Our dataset (n = 298) encompasses age and race demographics similar to the U.S. population and represents subjects from 43 states with a variety of educational backgrounds. Additional questions regarding the extent and frequency of exposure to severe-weather were also added. Although Midwesterners are accustomed to thunderstorms and tornadoes as the definition of severe-weather, we sought to determine if severe-weather terminology and experiences are geographic specific. For example, East coasters may experience more fear with hurricanes than individual thunderstorm warnings. To further expand upon Westefeld et al. (2006), questions regarding their level of meteorology education and most severe weather event experienced to assess the relationship between weather knowledge, anxiety, and specific weather-related trauma. Recognizing the spatial patterns and demographics behind inclement weather phobia may indicate new areas for focusing on treatment options, such as meteorology education and/or counseling.

Based on our broad definition of severe weather, nearly all participants (99%) had experienced some form of severe weather during their lifetime. The most commonly experienced severe weather events were thunderstorms (90.9%) and high winds (90.3%), followed by heavy snow and freezing rain (at approximately 80% each). In reflection of their severe weather experience (s), respondents generally reported having feelings of anxiety (72%), increased heart pounding (62.9%), changing schedules (60.8%), and feelings of helplessness (60.4%) at least occasionally; however, the majority of participants reported no evidence of 8 of the 14 symptoms or behaviors listed in the survey.

Participants who reported having taken a weather course also reported experiencing more anxiety symptoms and behaviors, particularly heart pounding, feeling anxious, changing their schedule, and monitoring television, radio, internet, or weather applications during severe weather events. Schedule changes, appetite loss, nausea, and obsessiveness were all behaviors found to be significantly higher (p < 0.05) for those with some formal meteorology education than those with none. In comparison, participants who reported having never taken a formal weather course reported no evidence of any symptoms other than monitoring television, radio, internet, or weather applications during severe weather events. These findings suggest that more weather knowledge can increase anxiety levels in some individuals as they may have a greater understanding of the potential dangers associated with severe weather.

When asked about overall fear of severe weather, participants overwhelmingly reported (85.1%) having at least some degree of severe weather fear with most (46.1%) describing their fear level as “a little bit”. Approximately 10% of participants classified themselves as having an overall fear level in the “extreme” and “quite a bit” categories, possibly indicating severe weather phobia prevalence. However, when respondents were asked to assess whether or not they (or someone they know) had severe weather phobia, the majority (80.5%) of participants reported they do not suffer from severe weather phobia. Other respondents reported they believe they do suffer from severe weather phobia (4.7%) and the remaining 14.8% was “not sure”. Only 3% of our sample reported seeking treatment (professional or other self-help resources) for severe weather phobia or specific inclement weather events.

Participants were also asked open-ended questions about the most severe weather event experienced during their lifetime and their greatest fears during the event. Nearly half of all participants had their most major severe weather event occur by their early-20s and three-quarters by the age of 30. The most severe weather experienced largely reflected regional geography, hurricane and tropical storms for the southeast coast, blizzards for the northeast, tornadoes, floods, and ice storms for the interior, and wind storms for the west coast. Named storm system events (e.g., Hurricane Andrew; Blizzard of ‘77) had stronger memories and details for participants than other type of events, suggesting the importance of media in shaping our experiences. Although the greatest losses during the events were personal property and lost wages, participants reported their greatest fears were linked to personal and family death/injury, long-term isolation and power-outages, and direct storm impacts (e.g., lightning strike). Consequently, many respondents reported feeling anxious during subsequent storm events and/or having stronger mitigation plans (e.g., insurance, evacuation route).