Social Networks, Warning Reception, and Protective Action in a Tornado-Affected Community: A Case Study of Rolling Fork, Mississippi

Abstract On 24 March 2023, a violent tornado struck Rolling Fork, Mississippi, resulting in 14 fatalities, more than 150 injuries, and widespread structural devastation (NOAA/National Centers for Environmental Information). In response, researchers from the University of Oklahoma’s Cooperative Institute for Severe and High Impact Weather Research and Operations (CIWRO) and NOAA’s National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) conducted fieldwork 2 months later, interviewing meteorologists, emergency managers, and affected residents. This study centers on the latter group, drawing on interviews with community members to examine warning reception, risk perception, preparedness, and protective action within a context of pronounced social vulnerability. Findings reveal that many residents received information indirectly through social networks, which often catalyzed their decisions to take protective action. Several individuals demonstrated strong weather saliency, engaging with forecasts, monitoring environmental cues, evaluating risk, and planning in advance. Some also acted as informal risk communicators, relaying warnings and recommended actions to others. These individuals typically described higher levels of response efficacy. Conversely, participants facing structural vulnerability, such as living in mobile or poorly constructed housing and lacking access to trusted shelter, reported lower levels of self-efficacy and response efficacy. These findings underscore the importance of social capital in shaping warning reception and protective behavior. We recommend future research investigate pre-event social networks as mechanisms that can both exacerbate vulnerability and enhance resilience and explore how such networks can be engaged for better risk communication. Additionally, we advocate for greater return of research findings to affected communities through coproduced knowledge and capacity-building initiatives at the neighborhood and city levels. Significance Statement This study examines how residents of Rolling Fork, Mississippi—a socially vulnerable community—received and responded to tornado warnings during the 24 March 2023 event. Many relied on social networks for warning information. Individuals with strong weather awareness played key roles in monitoring conditions and alerting others. Most sheltered at home, but limited access to safe, trusted shelters heightened stress and reduced response confidence. Findings underscore the importance of social connections in warning dissemination and the urgent need to address shelter access disparities.