Impact of dual-polarization radar technology and Twitter on the Hattiesburg, Mississippi tornado.
OBJECTIVE
Dual-Polarization Radar and Twitter were analyzed to determine the impact on injuries sustained by the Hattiesburg EF-4 tornado.


METHODS
Tracking data provided from the Dual-Pol radar systems in National Weather Service Jackson were reviewed. Twitter data from four local Twitter handles were obtained. The change in tweets and followers for the day of the storm were compared to historical averages. A Student t-test was utilized in determining statistical significance (p<0.05). Medical records from two local emergency departments were reviewed for patients treated up to 24 hours after the tornado. An Injury Severity Score (ISS) was calculated for trauma records related to the tornado.


RESULTS
Radar detection of the tornado gave approximately 30 minutes of advanced warning time. Statistical significance in follower growth was seen in all four Twitter handles. Out of 50 patients, the average ISS was 3.9 with a range of 1 to 29. There were zero fatalities.


CONCLUSIONS
An ISS average of 3.9 was significantly less than two previous tornadoes of similar strength that occurred prior to increased usage of Dual-pol radar and Twitter as a means for communicating severe weather information. Early detection from Dual-pol radar improved warning time. Tweets informed citizens to seek appropriate shelter. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:585-592).
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Alexis L
AL
Cates
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Brent W
BW
Arnold
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Guy Paul
GP
Cooper
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Violet
V
Yeager
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Josh
J
Stake
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Mohammed
M
Ali
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Richard C
RC
Calderone
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
James
J
Wilkinson
Johns Hopkins University, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
Edbert
E
Hsu
Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Department of Emergency Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Steven
S
Parrillo
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Steven
S
Piper
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
Italo
I
Subbarao
D004190:Disasters / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005544:Forecasting / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008922:Mississippi / Q000453:epidemiology; D011825:Radar / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013672:Technology / Q000639:trends; D013997:Time Factors; D055869:Tornadoes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology