Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br />2021 Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan <br /> <br /> Windstorm—Mobile homes can be seriously damaged by wind gusts over 80 mph, even if they are <br />anchored (National Severe Storms Laboratory, 2018). Properties at higher elevations or on ridges may be <br />more prone to wind damage. Falling trees can result in significant damage to structures. <br /> Tornado—A major tornado could cause widespread damage to property in the planning area, but such an <br />event is unlikely. Tornadoes of sufficient magnitude to cause significant property damage have not <br />historically occurred with the planning area (no recorded events with a magnitude greater than F0), so the <br />vulnerability of the planning area to this hazard is considered to be low. <br /> Fog—Fog is not likely to damage property, with the exception of motor vehicles that get into accidents <br />because of poor visibility. <br /> Heavy Rain—Damage from heavy rain in the planning area is most likely to be related to secondary <br />hazards accompanying the event, such as flooding or landslides <br /> Thunderstorms—Damage from thunderstorms in the planning area is most likely to be related to <br />secondary hazards accompanying the event, such as flooding, landslides, or damaging winds. If lightning <br />directly strikes a building, it may cause substantial damage and may even set the structure on fire. <br />No modeling is available for quantitative loss estimations for the severe weather hazard. Instead, loss estimates <br />were developed representing 1 percent, 3 percent, and 5 percent of the replacement value of exposed structures: <br /> Loss of 1 percent of planning area replacement value—$1.9 billion <br /> Loss of 3 percent of planning area replacement value—$ 5.7 billion <br /> Loss of 5 percent of planning area replacement value—$9.6 billion <br /> <br />14.3.3 Critical Facilities <br />All critical facilities are vulnerable during severe weather events, especially those that lack backup power <br />generation capabilities. When facilities supplying power to planning area land line telephone systems are <br />frequently disrupted, significant issues arise with communication in the planning area. In addition, some facilities <br />are particularly vulnerable to specific types of severe weather events: <br /> Windstorms—Facilities located near trees or power lines that are likely to fall are also vulnerable. Roads <br />and other transportation infrastructure could be blocked by downed trees or other debris. <br /> Tornado—Critical facilities in the direct path of a tornado would be particularly vulnerable. <br /> Heavy Rain or Thunderstorm—Facilities located in areas prone to localized or major flooding are <br />vulnerable. Transportation systems are vulnerable to disruption from secondary hazards such as flooding <br />or landslides. <br /> Extreme Heat—Transportation systems are vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat on facility <br />function. <br /> <br />14.3.4 Environment <br />The environment is highly vulnerable to severe weather events. Natural habitats such as streams and trees exposed <br />to the elements during a severe storm risk major damage. Prolonged rains can saturate soils and lead to slope <br />failure. Flood events caused by severe weather can produce river channel migration or damage riparian habitat. <br />Storm surges can erode beachfront bluffs and redistribute sediment loads. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />14-18