Double trouble: Examining public protective decision-making during concurrent tornado and flash flood threats in the U.S. Southeast

Abstract

Severe weather can often include multiple hazard threats, including simultaneous tornadoes and flash floods. These events, known as TORFF events or TORFFs, create a complex decision-making process for the people receiving warning protocols, as the recommended protective actions for the two hazards are contradictory––sheltering below ground during a tornado and moving to high ground during flash flooding events. Public response to TORFF events, which are warned for approximately 400 times per year, has yet to be examined. In the current study, we utilized structural equation modeling (SEM) to assess the factors and mechanisms of protective decision-making in members of the public (N = 247) who experienced concurrent tornado and flash flood threats on the 25 and 27 of March 2021 in the U.S. Southeast region. SEM analysis found direct and indirect relationships between hazard information sources, risk perception, and protective action for both hazards. In addition, results found that an increase in tornado risk perception led to a decrease in flash flood protective action. These results suggest that more public education and awareness on TORFF hazards is needed, along with dual protective guidance, particularly for socially vulnerable populations.