There has been a lot of buzz around ChatGPT lately. Itr is a new kind of AI that tries to piece together responses based on a new type of machine learning (for lack of a better way to describe it).
For more info on ChatGPT, you can read a thread on Twitter from Alex Banks here
As the title suggests, I went to ChatGPT to see what it knew about preparing for severe weather and tornadoes. And a lot like humans, it went straight toward tornadoes giving very little thought (or in this case, computing power) toward other types of severe weather.
A quick note before I go any further: Severe weather, and damage from severe weather, can be caused by things that are not tornadoes. And in fact, most of the damage caused by severe weather across the country is from things that are not tornadoes.
But tornadoes do tend to get a lot of the “publicity” when it comes to severe weather. And because of that, it gets more attention here, too.
From ChatGPT
Severe weather, particularly tornadoes, can strike at any time and cause widespread destruction. It is essential to stay informed and prepared during tornado season. Here are some tips for severe weather awareness and safety:
- Know the signs: Tornadoes often come with dark and cloudy skies, high winds, heavy rain, hail, and thunder. Look for rotating clouds and listen for a loud roar, as this could indicate the formation of a tornado.
- Stay informed: Follow local weather reports and have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, such as a weather radio or phone app. Stay tuned to local news stations for the latest updates and safety information.
- Have a plan: Make sure you and your family know what to do in case of a tornado. Designate a safe place in your home, such as a basement or interior room, and have a plan for how to get there quickly. If you are driving, know the signs of a tornado and find a low-lying area or sturdy building to take shelter in.
- Gather supplies: Have a basic emergency kit ready, including water, food, first-aid supplies, and a battery-operated radio.
- Protect your property: Secure loose objects outside your home, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, as they can become dangerous projectiles during a tornado.
- Take action: If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take immediate action to seek shelter. Do not wait for the storm to reach you before taking safety measures.
By staying informed and prepared, you can help protect yourself and your family during severe weather events. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
What ChatGPT got right
Honestly, it did pretty well. I think that numbers “2” through “6” are actually pretty good tips. And a good baseline starting point for preapring for and understanding how to react to severe weather.
If you are new to an area that gets severe weather, an you moved from a place that did not…. This is a good start!
What ChatGPT got wrong
Well, ChatGPT kind of omitted a lot of the other threats when it comes to severe weather.
Straight-line wind can knock down trees, overturn large vehicles, down power lines, and even damage roofs. Hail, if large enough, can damage cars, go through windows and even fall through roofs! Flash flooding is also a concern with severe weather. This tends to cause the most common damage throughout any average year – water into homes and businesses. If the water gets high enough and is moving fast enough it can sweep away people, cars and even entire buildings.
But the other problem is the “1” on the list. It read: “Know the signs: Tornadoes often come with dark and cloudy skies, high winds, heavy rain, hail, and thunder. Look for rotating clouds and listen for a loud roar, as this could indicate the formation of a tornado” isn’t really accurate.
Sure, it has to be cloudy for a tornado to form, but depending on where you are relative to the sun and storm, the clouds may not be that dark. And, again, depending on your location, it may not be that windy, either. And you may not see hail or hear thunder beforehand. Nor may you hear a roaring sound.
The warning signs for a tornado – if you have no means of receiving a warning from the NWS – can vary greatly storm to storm, from one geographic location to the next. Generally speaking, are the clouds dark? I suppose. Generally speaking do people get rain, wind, hail, and thunder first? I guess. Generally speaking, is there a roaring sound? Not really. And truly, by the time you hear the roar, it may be too late to take appropriate action.
Trying again…
So, I tried again. But this time I asked how to prepare for severe weather that is not a tornado.
From ChatGPT:
Severe weather can come in many forms, including thunderstorms, hail storms, high winds, and flash floods. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for severe weather that is not a tornado:
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts and be alert for severe weather watches and warnings. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, such as a weather radio, phone app, or text alerts.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Make sure you have a basic emergency kit with essential supplies, including water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and a battery-operated radio.
- Protect your property: Secure loose objects outside your home, such as lawn furniture and trash cans, to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during a severe weather event. Consider installing storm shutters or protecting windows with plywood to protect your home from damage.
- Have a plan: Make sure you and your family know what to do during a severe weather event. Designate a safe place in your home, such as a basement or interior room, and have a plan for how to get there quickly.
- Know what to do during a thunderstorm: If a thunderstorm is imminent, avoid being outside and stay away from windows. Unplug electronics and turn off appliances to protect them from power surges. If you are driving, pull over and wait for the storm to pass.
- Be prepared for flash floods: If you live in an area prone to flash flooding, be aware of the signs of flash flooding and have a plan for evacuation. Avoid driving through flooded areas, as even shallow water can be dangerous.
By taking these steps and staying informed, you can help protect yourself and your family during severe weather events. Remember, it is always better to be prepared and safe than sorry.
This list, is decent, too. My only concern is with “5” above where it tell you to pull over if you are driving. I would recommend that if you choose to pull over, you make certain to do it in a safe place, not under an overpass, and preferably near a building or safe structure that you can head into if the weather gets really hairy.
So, with the list above (with the amended “5”) added added to the first list (except Number 1) makes a pretty good go-to for preparing for severe weather.
Not a total failure from ChatGPT. But not 100% either. I’d grade it a B-.
