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Resilience Resources to Help Utilites Prepare for Spring Weather Hazards

Resilience Resources to Help Utilites Prepare for Spring Weather Hazards

Created: Thursday, April 11, 2024 - 14:14
Categories:
Emergency Response & Recovery, Natural Disasters, Security Preparedness

As the spring season sets in, the potential for extreme weather events like thunderstorms, tornadoes, and floods to occur becomes increasingly likely. Accordingly, WaterISAC is sharing several resources to help utilities prepare for and increase their resilience to spring weather hazards.

Severe thunderstorms, which can lead to tornadoes and flooding, are most common in the spring. With the changing climate, extreme weather events are predicted to become more frequent and intense. Flooding is also most common in the spring. And most areas of the continental U.S. are projected to experience greater flood risk in a warming climate going forward. Last year, for example, a First Street Foundation study found that larger parts of the U.S. can expect to experience “1-in-100 year flood” events with greater frequency. Highlighting the threat to critical infrastructure, an AP analysis found about one-third of wastewater facilities in the U.S. would be at risk of flooding if an extreme precipitation event hit their area today. Many drinking water utilities also likely face similar vulnerabilities as flood risks continue to grow. Extreme weather events can also lead to power disruptions. Between 2000 and 2021, about 83% of reported major outages in the U.S. were attributed to weather-related events.

To help prepare for and enhance resilience to these weather hazards, WaterISAC encourages its members to review the following resources: