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<br /> <br />Severe Weather <br /> <br />14.4 FUTURE TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT <br />All future development will be affected by severe weather events. The ability to withstand impacts lies in sound <br />land use practices and consistent enforcement of codes and regulations for new construction. The planning <br />partners have adopted the International Building Code in response to California mandates. This code is equipped <br />to deal with the impacts of severe weather events. Land use policies identified in general plans within the <br />planning area also address many of the secondary impacts (flood and landslide) of the severe weather hazard. <br />With these tools, the planning partners are well equipped to deal with future growth and the associated impacts of <br />severe weather. <br /> <br />Many of the impacts associated with severe weather hazards can be addressed through proactive planning and the <br />use of best available information in making land use decisions. San Mateo County achieves this goal through the <br />implementation of its Shared Vision. Participating cities can incorporate these concerns into their general plans. <br />Implementation of these guidelines and goals, along with other programs such as building code enforcement, <br />public information, and early warning, will help San Mateo County manage the likely impacts of severe weather <br />as the County expands and grows. <br /> <br />14.5 SCENARIO <br />Impacts of severe weather can be significant, particularly when secondary hazards of flood and landslide occur. A <br />worst-case event would involve prolonged high winds accompanied by thunderstorms. Such an event would have <br />both short-term and longer-term effects. Initially, schools and roads would be closed due to power outages caused <br />by high winds and downed tree obstructions. In more rural areas, some subdivisions could experience limited <br />ingress and egress. Prolonged rain could produce flooding, overtopped culverts with ponded water on roads, and <br />landslides on steep slopes. Significant erosion and landslides along the coast may occur, further increasing the <br />vulnerability of community members living right on the edge of coastal cliffs. Flooding and landslides could <br />obstruct roads and bridges, isolating community members. Fog after the storm, resulting from the heavy moisture <br />still in the area, could increase traffic accidents as visibility worsens. <br /> <br />14.6 ISSUES <br />Severe local storms are probably the most common widespread hazard. They affect lar ge numbers of people in the <br />planning area when they occur. Severe storms can quickly overwhelm city and county resources. Community <br />members should be prepared for these types of storms: family plans should be developed, disaster kits should be <br />put in homes, workplaces, schools and cars, and every family member should be taught how to shut off household <br />utilities. Initiating early dismissal from schools and business is an effective mitigation measure and should be <br />encouraged. <br /> <br />Severe weather cannot be prevented, but measures can be taken to mitigate the effects. Critical facilities can be <br />hardened to prevent damage during an event. The secondary effect of flooding can be addressed through <br />decreasing runoff and water velocity. Important issues associated with severe weather in the San Mateo County <br />planning area include the following: <br /> Redundancy of power supply throughout the planning area must be evaluated to better understand what <br />areas may be vulnerable. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />14-19