Storm Prediction Center (SPC)
Norman, OK

The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) is part of the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). The main focus of SPC is to monitor the development of severe storms and issue forecasts for the contiguous United States up to three days in advance. The following are a list of the three primary forecast products issued by SPC.

Convective Outlooks
Convective Outlooks are a categorical and probability forecast that describe the general threat of severe convective storms. These outlooks are issued for the next 6 to 72 hours and are updated as often as five times a day.

Mesoscale Discussion
Mesoscale Discussions are designed to give local forecasters a heads up on a region that is becoming a severe weather threat and give an indication of whether a watch is likely. MDs usually precede a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch by 1 to 3 hours. MDs are also issued to update information on watches that have already been issued.

Weather Watches
Severe Weather Watches are issued when conditions are expected to become favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms or tornadoes within a defined region, generally less than 50,000 square miles. Watches are intended to be issued 1 to 6 hours in advance of the arrival of severe weather.

National Weather Service (NWS)
Louisville, KY

Your local National Weather Service office in Louisville is a part of a network of 122 Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) across the United States. Although the NWS is responsible for a wide array of forecast products to support a variety of users, their main purpose is to issue forecast products that help protect life and property of the general public. The most critical forecast products are advisories and warnings.

Weather Advisories
An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. Advisories are for less serious conditions than warnings, that cause significant inconvenience and if caution is not exercised, could lead to situations that may threaten life or property.

Weather Warnings
A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely. A warning means weather conditions pose a threat to life or property. People in the path of the storm need to take protective action. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued for thunderstorms capable of producing three quarter (3/4) inch hail and or winds of 58 mph (50 knots) or greater. A tornado warning is issued whenever the public has reported a tornado or developing tornado and or Doppler Radar indicates the possibility of a tornado or developing tornado, Tornadic Vortex Signature (TVS).

Local Media (WHAS11)
Louisville, KY

Among the many responsibilities of WHAS11 (and other local media), is the vital role of collaboration between their weather staff (First Alert StormTeam) and the National Weather Service. A strong, collaborative relationship between the two organizations is imperative in order to provide timely, detailed and accurate weather information to the public when a weather emergency occurs. Through timely relaying of NWS and official emergency management information as well as by providing supplementary observations, interpretation, discussion, integration and tailoring to an audience, local media communicates essential information about potential dangerous weather to the public.
Through education and communication, the media have significantly reduced the number of deaths and injuries due to severe weather events over the past 50 years. Although many attributes of a local media station play a role in keeping the public safe, below is a list of the top five.

Immediacy
All official advisories, watches and warnings, and Emergency Alert System (EAS) messages for the area of concern should be broadcast in a timely and prudent manner, with all essential information, and with the issuing authority clearly identified.

Accuracy
Presentation of a warning or a forecast should include attribution and an estimate of the confidence or uncertainty to be associated with it. To assist in conveying the limitations of predictions, media are encouraged to utilize and educate the public about products that display uncertainty. It is important that there be no embellishment or exaggeration of facts as these may make a situation appear better or worse than it is.

Collaboration
Cooperation, coordination, and two-way communication between the NWS and local media is imperative for the delivery of timely, detailed and accurate weather information to the public. The broadcast media and other private sector meteorologists, while retaining autonomy and independence, have much to contribute to the weather tandem. It is important that the NWS and the media listen to one another, share plans and information, and seek one another’s input on emergency plans and operations.

Balance
"Being first" and "being the best" are important motivators and highly desirable in the media business. Indeed, fair and open competition based on quality of service is in the public's best interest. However, in balancing market forces with the public good during periods of severe weather, the broadcast meteorologist and higher management should always place the interests of the public first. Every effort should be made to restrain unwarranted claims and to avoid exploiting an emergency situation for competitive advantage.

Professionalism
A high level of professional expertise is required to perform properly during a weather emergency. While professionalism begins with meteorological education and training, it also includes experience, understanding, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. In addition to technical skills, professionalism in providing weather information to the public includes ability to balance public interest with competitive forces and adherence to the highest standards of journalism, with its constant striving for accuracy.