Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Saunders, Michelle

Committee Member

Mercer, Andrew

Committee Member

Brown, Michael

Date of Degree

8-7-2025

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Geosciences (Meteorology/Climatology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

Over the past few decades, the National Weather Service (NWS) has continued to improve impact-based decision support services (IDSS) efforts to strengthen communication with core partners. This study addressed how a new spatially hazard-specific vulnerability tool called the Brief Vulnerability Overview Tool (BVOT) may impact how NWS meteorologists tailor messaging to their core partners. It was found that relationship building between NWS meteorologists and core partners is key to enhancing trust, especially during blue sky days. This was done by learning core partners’ needs, thresholds, and communication styles when presenting weather information. Core partners also noticed cues from NWS meteorologists to help with decision making. As WFOs prepared to build a BVOT, general vulnerabilities previously mentioned were narrowed down to those with a geographic reference point. Building a BVOT helped meteorologists learn the areas of concern for core partners and helped them be more aware of impacts to vulnerabilities.

Sponsorship (Optional)

NOAA OAR grant: NA23OAR4590365

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