Using Virtual Reality to Weather the Storm

Guest: Dr. Grace Ahn, University of Georgia

When a hurricane threatens, the most dangerous part often isn’t the wind—it’s the water. Storm surge can arrive fast, rise high, and turn familiar streets into life-threatening hazards. But what if you could experience that danger in a safe way, before it ever happens? Dr. Grace Ahn at the University of Georgia has developed Weather the Storm, a virtual reality experience that puts people inside a realistic hurricane scenario to show just how quickly conditions can turn deadly. By combining immersive visuals, sound, and storytelling, her work is helping coastal residents—and even emergency planners—understand the stakes and make better decisions when the next storm comes.

Chapters

1. 00:00 Understanding the Threat of Hurricanes
2. 05:00 The Role of Virtual Reality in Risk Communication
3. 10:35 Experiencing the Simulation: A Deep Dive
4. 15:27 Reactions and Engagement: The Impact of VR
5. 20:46 Expanding the Reach: Community Involvement and Education
6. 25:43 Future Directions: Beyond Hurricanes
7. 30:18 The Power of Combined Communication Methods

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