PhysOrg.com:
NOAA's National Weather Service is testing new language to communicate winter weather hazards in its forecasts. From now through March 31, 2013, alternative messages in winter hazard forecasts will run on a test website for 26 weather forecast offices throughout the country.
Currently the National Weather Service issues 14 different types of winter hazard forecasts. Customer satisfaction surveys and agency service assessments have revealed that some of the public may not be able to distinguish between a watch, an advisory, or a warning. The test proposes a new set of terms that replace watches and advisories while clarifying language used in warnings.
"The National Weather Service provides outstanding forecasts and life-saving information, and we're always looking for ways to improve how we communicate with the public," said Eli Jacks, chief of public weather at the National Weather Service and manager of this demonstration project. "To ensure we get this right, we encourage our partners in the Weather Enterprise, the public and emergency managers to visit the test website and let us know what they think about this proposed way of communicating winter hazards."
MORE
NOAA's National Weather Service is testing new language to communicate winter weather hazards in its forecasts. From now through March 31, 2013, alternative messages in winter hazard forecasts will run on a test website for 26 weather forecast offices throughout the country.
Currently the National Weather Service issues 14 different types of winter hazard forecasts. Customer satisfaction surveys and agency service assessments have revealed that some of the public may not be able to distinguish between a watch, an advisory, or a warning. The test proposes a new set of terms that replace watches and advisories while clarifying language used in warnings.
"The National Weather Service provides outstanding forecasts and life-saving information, and we're always looking for ways to improve how we communicate with the public," said Eli Jacks, chief of public weather at the National Weather Service and manager of this demonstration project. "To ensure we get this right, we encourage our partners in the Weather Enterprise, the public and emergency managers to visit the test website and let us know what they think about this proposed way of communicating winter hazards."
MORE