Survey of public experiences during unwarned tornado in Knox County, TN

On 7 August 2023, a quasi-linear convective system tracked through Tennessee, spawning an EF-2 tornado in western Knox County. While no warning was issued for the area, a tornado watch had been, as well as a series of STWs that at times contained tags, either a tornado possible tag or a destructive damage potential tag. We used a survey of the public (n=287) to assess how they developed their perception of tornado likelihood without a tornado warning. Data can be reused to assess other aspects of unwarned tornadoes. The project is unique in that perceptions and actions during unwarned tornadoes are not heavily studied.

The public survey accompanied interviews with broadcast meteorologists to understand their use of NWS products during the event. The interview guide is provided.