Increasing Risk Perception and Understanding of Hurricane Storm Tides Using an Interactive, Web-Based Visualization Approach

Abstract

Lindner, B.L.; Johnson, J.; Alsheimer, F.; Duke, S.; Miller, G.D., and Evsich, R., 2018. Increasing risk perception and understanding of hurricane storm tides using an interactive, web-based visualization approach.Previous studies have shown that much of the public misinterprets standard hurricane storm surge text advisories or standard color-coded storm surge maps. A supplemental approach is proposed that allows users to simulate storm tide for various locations, tidal amounts, and hurricane scenarios and then visualize the estimated water depth on photographs of neighborhood landmarks. Potentially, the visual nature of this approach could enhance risk perception and understanding. The interactive aspect of this approach may engage users more than standard approaches, in addition to providing users with more information. Showing the threats at the neighborhood scale could make the risk more apparent and discourage development of risk-prone areas. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, transient, or non-English speakers could benefit from the visual representation of the risk. Graphics could be useful for broadcasters and emergency management. However, as is the case with current techniques, this approach has difficulty representing uncertainty. One major shortfall of all current approaches is the parameterization and inclusion of waves as the storm surge travels inland. Waves could be easily visualized with this approach, should the science provide an adequate parameterization.