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CHAPTER 13. SEVERE WEATHER <br />13-13 <br /> <br />Figure 13-5. Kittitas County Potential Wind Power <br />13.2.3 Frequency <br />The severe weather events for Kittitas County shown in Table 13-1 are often related to high winds <br />associated with winter storms and thunderstorms. The planning area can expect to experience exposure to <br />some type of severe weather event at least annually. According to the Washington State Enhanced Hazard <br />Mitigation Plan, Kittitas County has experienced 108 severe weather events from 1960 to 2017, which <br />means that historically, the county experiences almost two events every year. <br />13.2.4 Severity <br />The most common problems associated with severe storms are immobility and loss of utilities. The National <br />Weather Service refers to winter storms as “Deceptive Killers” because most deaths are indirectly related <br />to the storm. Instead, people die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged <br />exposure to cold. It is important to be prepared for winter weather before it strikes. <br />Roads may become impassable due to flooding, downed trees, ice or snow, or a landslide. Power lines may <br />be downed due to high winds or ice accumulation, and services such as water or phone may not be able to <br />operate without power. Lightning can cause severe damage and injury.