Rapid-onset hazards such as flash floods and tornadoes often provide limited warning lead time. When these events occur overnight, residents may be asleep and less likely to receive warnings, increasing injury and mortality risk. This study examined confidence in receiving overnight flash flood and tornado warnings and factors associated with warning reception confidence.

A cross-sectional survey of 1,008 adults across 12 southeastern U.S. states assessed confidence in receiving overnight flash flood and tornado warnings (12:00-6:00 AM) and factors associated with warning reception confidence.

Approximately half of respondents reported confidence in their ability to receive overnight flash flood (47.8%) and tornado (51.5%) warnings. Greater confidence was associated with greater warning source reliance, having a nighttime household emergency plan, higher nocturnal hazard risk perception, and greater trust in weather information. Mobile home residents reported lower confidence in receiving overnight tornado warnings than respondents residing in other housing types.

Many respondents remained uncertain about their ability to receive overnight warnings. Efforts to increase access to multiple warning sources capable of awakening residents, strengthen nighttime household preparedness planning, and improve awareness of nocturnal hazard risks may help improve overnight warning reception and support protective action.