NWS Asks for Feedback on Consolidation and Reformatting of WWA's

NWS will be collecting comments through October 5, 2017, on a proposed consolidation (i.e., reduction in the number of), and reformatting of marine Watches, Warnings, Advisories (WWA) and Statements.

The proposed changes are based on feedback from the results of social science research. Analyses from these efforts indicate that users are sometimes confused by the large number of hazard messages or "products" NWS currently issues. Feedback has also indicated NWS should apply a consistent product formatting approach to communicate expected hazards and associated impacts.

A listing of the specific proposals is contained in graphics, which can be accessed via the link below:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/pns/marine_consolidation.pdf

The survey for the proposed marine product changes is available at the following link through October 5, 2017:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SRZFG2X

Based on feedback received, NWS may implement some or all of the proposals in the fall of 2018. NWS will issue a Service Change Notice with a minimum 75-day lead time in advance of any operational changes.

The proposed product consolidation is only for coastal and nearshore products. Due to international marine forecast policies from the World Meteorological Organization, the NWS will not apply this consolidation effort to NWS Offshore and High Seas Products at this time.

Additionally, marine products associated with impacts to visibility (e.g., dense fog advisory and ashfall products) are not being considered for consolidation at this time. NWS is considering alternative means for consolidating hazards related to visibility to support consistent messaging for marine and land-based impacts.

Additional information regarding the proposed product reformatting and consolidation may be found in the Product Description Document (PDD) at the link below:

http://products.weather.gov/PDD/proposed%20marine%20product%20consolidation%20PDD.pdf

HazSimp Website:

http://www.weather.gov/hazardsimplification/

For more information, please email:

[email protected]

National Public Information Statements are online at:

http://www.weather.gov/os/notif.htm