S8:142 - Bryan Norcross on Hurricane Communication Without the Hype

When a hurricane threatens, the forecast is only part of the job. The bigger challenge is helping people understand what the storm means for them - without exaggeration, confusion or panic.

In this episode of HurricaneCenter, meteorologist Bryan Norcross joins the program for a conversation about one of the hardest parts of hurricane season: communicating risk in a way that is urgent, accurate and trusted.

The discussion centers on the balance between warning people early enough to act and avoiding language that makes every storm sound like the worst-case scenario. For broadcasters, forecasters, emergency managers and public information officers, that balance matters. If the message is too soft, people may not prepare. If it is too loud too often, people may tune it out.