Linguistic Challenges in Severe Weather Communication: Comparing English and Spanish-Speaking Populations

The U.S. National Weather Service issues forecasts and warnings to protect life and property. To fulfill this mission, the public must not only receive these warnings but also understand their meaning and take appropriate protective actions. While several studies have explored how English speakers receive, understand, and respond to forecasts and warnings, there is limited research on these concepts within the rapidly growing Spanish-speaking diaspora in the U.S. This gap is concerning, as past research indicates that this population can be particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Drawing on data from 14,341 individuals collected through both the English and Spanish versions of the Severe Weather and Society Survey (2018-2023), this article addresses this gap by comparing tornado forecast and warning reception, comprehension, and response between Spanish and English speakers. The results reveal significant differences between the two groups across all three dimensions. On average, Spanish speakers are less likely than English speakers to receive, understand, and respond to tornado forecasts and warnings. The article concludes by exploring possible explanations for these disparities and offering suggestions for improving forecast and warning reception, comprehension, and response in Spanish-speaking populations.