An Investigation of Oregon and Texas Residents’ Information Seeking and Processing Behaviors During Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events plague the United States with increasing frequency and intensity. In 2020, Oregon was met with historic wildfires and Texas experienced the significant impacts of Winter Storm Uri. As these types of events increase and unfold, it is crucial for those impacted to have the information needed to navigate the risks and potential effects. This study sought explore how individuals seek and process information to make decisions about extreme weather events. Comparing data from both Oregon and Texas weather disasters, our analysis yielded helpful insights to better understand information seeking and processing. Despite different events, we found no differences in information gathering capacity and information sufficiency threshold between disasters. We also found information gathering capacity to decrease as information sufficiency increased. Regarding the types of information sought, participants from both states indicated a major need for information about the risks and impacts of the extreme weather event and its severity. Finally, we found participants largely relied upon systematic processing routes to assess information about the extreme weather events in their states. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.