Lost in Translation: An Analysis on how Florida’s Broadcast Meteorologists Navigate Bilingual Communication During Severe Weather

Authors

• Daniella Streety, University of South Florida
• Cassandra O’Connor, University of South Florida
• Brooke Page, University of South Florida
• Jennifer Collins, University of South Florida

Document Type

Poster Session

Publication Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

• Florida frequently experiences various types of severe weather year-round, which requires clear and timely communication for public safety.
• Broadcast meteorologists play an important role in translating weather alerts into understandable and actionable information.
• About 30% of Florida residents speak a language other than English at home, with Spanish being the most common, presenting challenges for risk communication during 2 severe weather events.
• Previous studies show gaps in bilingual messaging still exist, despite national efforts by agencies like NOAA and the NWS. This leaves broadcast meteorologists 1 at a disadvantage due to a lack of resources.
• This study explores how Florida’s broadcast meteorologists adapt, or struggle, to communicate severe weather threats to non- English speaking communities in their viewing area, whether it is on TV or social media.

Scholar Commons Citation

Streety, Daniella; O’Connor, Cassandra; Page, Brooke; and Collins, Jennifer, "Lost in Translation: An Analysis on how Florida’s Broadcast Meteorologists Navigate Bilingual Communication During Severe Weather" (2025). Weather, Climate, and Society REU. 21.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/weather-climate-society_reu/21