When a false shark sighting shut down Carolina Beach, the ripple effects exposed something deeper: how much our coastal communities rely on the National Weather Service and its communication networks to maintain trust and safety. In this episode, Shoresides sits down with **Stephen Pfaff**, meteorologist-in-charge at NWS Wilmington, to explore the challenge of misinformation, the interagency partnerships behind safety alerts, and how clearer, more accountable communication can reduce panic and save lives.
We dig in on how alerts went wrong, the role of local responders, lessons learned from past disasters, and how the NWS office is working to strengthen resilience through public education, network upgrades, and deeper community engagement.
Links:
Statement issued after increased shark activity observed in Carolina Beach surf
Miscommunication over shark activity causes confusion at Carolina Beach
