Surveys to Collect Data on Use of the NOAA National Weather Service Cone of Uncertainty

This request is for a new information collection. The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) National Hurricane Center (NHC) produces tropical cyclone text and graphical products to provide critical information about meteorological parameters of tropical storms and hurricanes that could threaten the United States and other countries. While NOAA has a good understanding of how many of its core partners (i.e., emergency management personnel and broadcast meteorologists/members of the media) use these graphics, it is interested in how other professionals within key sectors (i.e., transportation, marine, tourism, energy) and international users perceive these products and use them in decision-making. In particular, NOAA is interested in input on the NHC Track Forecast Cone (often referred to as the cone of uncertainty). In addition to appearing on NHC’s web site, the cone is widely disseminated on social media, online (e.g., local and national news web sites), and on television—with broadcast meteorologists and private weather industry often making their own version of the graphic. This request is for a set of related data collection activities, including interviews, focus groups, and a survey to collect information from audiences that use NHC products, particularly the Track Forecast Cone.

The latest form for Surveys to Collect Data on Use of the NOAA National Weather Service Cone of Uncertainty expires 2023-05-31 and can be found here.