Laserfiche WebLink
CHAPTER 13. SEVERE WEATHER <br />13-15 <br />local weather patterns. Populations living at higher elevations with large stands of trees or power lines may <br />be more susceptible to wind damage and black out, while populations in low-lying areas are at risk for <br />possible flooding. <br />13.5.2 Property <br />According to the Kittitas County assessor, there are 15,364 buildings within the census tracts that define <br />the planning area. Most of these buildings are residential. All of these buildings are considered to be <br />exposed to the severe weather hazard. <br />13.5.3 Critical Facilities and Infrastructure <br />All critical facilities exposed to flooding (see Section 11.5.3) are also likely exposed to severe weather. <br />Additional facilities on higher ground may also be exposed to wind damage or damage from falling trees. <br />The most common problems associated with severe weather are loss of utilities. Downed power lines can <br />cause blackouts, leaving large areas isolated. Phone, water and sewer systems may not function. Roads may <br />become impassable due to ice or snow or from secondary hazards such as landslides. <br />13.5.4 Environment <br />The environment is highly exposed to severe weather events. Natural habitats such as streams and trees are <br />exposed to the elements during a severe storm and risk major damage and destruction. Prolonged rains can <br />saturate soils and lead to slope failure. Flooding events caused by severe weather or snowmelt can produce <br />river channel migration or damage riparian habitat. Storm surges can erode beachfront bluffs and <br />redistribute sediment loads. <br />13.6. VULNERABILITY <br />13.6.1 Population <br />Vulnerable populations are the elderly, low income or linguistically isolated populations, people with life- <br />threatening illnesses, and residents living in areas that are isolated from major roads. Power outages can be <br />life threatening to those dependent on electricity for life support. Isolation of these populations is a <br />significant concern. These populations face isolation and exposure during severe weather events and could <br />suffer more secondary effects of the hazard. <br />13.6.2 Property <br />All property is vulnerable during severe weather events, but properties in poor condition or in particularly <br />vulnerable locations may risk the most damage. Those in higher elevations and on ridges may be more <br />prone to wind damage. Those that are located under or near overhead lines or near large trees may be <br />vulnerable to falling ice or may be damaged in the event of a collapse. <br />Loss estimates for the severe weather hazard were developed representing 10 percent, 30 percent and 50 <br />percent of the assessed value of exposed structures. This allows emergency managers to select a range of <br />potential economic impact based on an estimate of the percent of damage to the general building stock. <br />Damage in excess of 50 percent is considered to be substantial by most building codes and typically requires <br />total reconstruction. <br />Table 13-2 lists the loss estimates to the general building stock. <br /> <br />Table 13-2. Loss Estimates for Buildings Exposed to Severe Weather Hazard