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Evolution of Weather & Climate Communications in the Caribbean

Explore the transformation of weather communication in the Caribbean region, focusing on media collaborations, emergency response, and the impact of major disasters. Discover the importance of accurate forecasts and timely information dissemination in saving lives. Learn about Puerto Rico's sophisticated media market and the evolution of weather reporting in the tropics. Delve into the role of the media during droughts and the necessity of early warning systems for effective risk management.

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Evolution of Weather & Climate Communications in the Caribbean

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  1. Evolution of Weather & Climate Communications in the Caribbean John R. Toohey-Morales, CBM, CCM ClimaData Corp.

  2. The U.S. Model • “Collaboration between the media and the National Weather Service is of utmost importance; after all, we share the same goal – informing the public, saving lives, and disseminating timely information to the audience when they need it the most.”– Brian LaMarre, National Weather Service Lubbock Texas

  3. The U.S. Model • Successful communications in emergencies: • Immediacy • Precision • Cooperation • Balance • Professionalism

  4. Puerto Rico: Sophisticated Media Market • Population nearly 4 million • US Territory (“Commonwealth”) • DMA size between Denver (#18) and Sacramento (#19) • WKAQ: 2nd radio station in Latin America, 5th in the world • More radio and TV stations per square mile than elsewhere in the world

  5. Weather in the Tropics:Same old, same old? • Little or no importance given to weather forecasts in local media • Only Professor McDowell (University of Puerto Rico) on the government station (WIPR Channel 6) • Lucy Pereda (“weathergirl” on commercial stations)

  6. Tropical Storm Isabel (1985)

  7. Tropical Storm Isabel (1985)

  8. Hurricane Hugo (1989)

  9. Media responds to major disasters • Isabel and the Mameyes landslide • Hugo (EAS successful) • More attention paid to NWS, more collaborative efforts between media, emergency managers, local and federal government • Luis threat, Marilyn strike (1995) • Hortense floods (1996) • Georges landfall (1998)

  10. In Today’s Puerto Rican Media • Trained weather anchors on 2 of 3 major commercial TV stations • Major investments in weather graphics systems • Station-owned Doppler radars on every major commercial TV station • Significant emphasis on nowcasting, severe weather, and tropical cyclones

  11. U.S. Hispanic Media • Miami was first with a degreed met. • Need for knowledge confirmed by Andrew, interest still growing • Thirst for qualified presenters grows • Audience (local/national) trending UP • Plurality of Hispanics in selected major hurricane-prone cities (Houston 37%, Miami 62%, Brownsville 91%)

  12. Drought – a better understanding

  13. Drought – a better understanding • More often, more severe • Know natural AND social dimensions of drought • Socio-economic ramifications • Forecasted impact-based decisions • Risk management: give early warning

  14. Comparison – recent major droughts

  15. Puerto Rico drought protocol – A multi-agency effort

  16. Contact information • John Toohey-Moralesmorales@climadata.com@JohnMoralesNBC6

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