Human Factors Affecting Tornado Warning Decisions in
National Weather Service Forecast Offices (263)
Frank Alsheimer, NOAA/NWS
Columbia, SC, West Columbia, SC
Thomas Johnstone, NOAA/NWS
Corpus Christi
David Sharp, NOAA/NWS
Vankita Brown, NOAA/NWS
Laura Myers, CAPS/University
of Alabama
Abstract:
To date, there has been
little research done to determine what human factors within the WFO environment
may affect the warning decision making process of NWS warning forecasters.
Therefore, a study was undertaken that surveyed NWS personnel who are
responsible for issuing tornado warnings. The survey covered a number of topics
the authors deem as important to the tornado warning decision process. There
were questions on basic demographics, experience level of forecasters,
knowledge among those forecasters of Government Performance and Results Act
(GPRA) goals of the agency, and a host of human factors, such as the
forecasters' interaction with others on the operational floor during the
tornado warning decision process, as well as their overall comfort with the
task and responsibility when charged with making the tornado warning decision.
Some of the results of the survey will be discussed in the presentation. The
ultimate goal of the research was to develop best practices by comparing the behaviors
of offices with higher GPRA scores with those of lower performing offices. The
results are expected to help managers and lead forecasters arrange their human
resources during a tornado warning situation as effectively as possible, and to
also identify potential training options to improve tornado warning scores.
Some of these potential best practices will be presented.