Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0006-8008-6730

Advisor

Saunders, Michelle

Committee Member

Mercer, Andrew

Committee Member

Sherman-Morris, Kathleen

Date of Degree

5-15-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 1 year

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Geoscience (Professional Meteorology/Climatology)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Geosciences

Abstract

Tornadoes pose a significant threat to life and property in the United States each year. To warn the public, the National Weather Service (NWS) issues tornado watches, warnings, and emergencies, with emergencies representing the highest level of alert for life-threatening situations. While advances in warning communication have improved preparedness, some populations may interpret and respond to these messages differently due to language barriers and cultural factors, such as Hispanic and Spanish-speaking communities. This study examines how Spanish-speaking residents interpret and respond to tornado warning and emergency messages. Using a survey, participants were presented with simulated Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) scenarios and asked to evaluate perceived urgency and intended behavior using Likert-scale questions. Non-parametric statistical tests were used to analyze relationships between message type and perception. This study aims to analyze how differences and interpretation effects may affect behavior after reading these messages.

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