Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Ramsey County | Multi-Jurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan 48 <br />Temperature increases. Higher temperatures will likely lead to increased evaporation rates and soil <br />moisture depletion, both have the potential to significantly impact plants, crops, and vegetation. More <br />frequent and prolonged heatwaves, which can stress water resources and increase the likelihood of <br />drought conditions, are also a potential impact. According to DNR, the average temperatures in <br />Minnesota have increased by almost 3 degrees (F) since 1895, and the 10 warmest years on record for <br />Minnesota have occurred in the past 20 years. Increases in temperature are expected to continue. <br />Extreme weather events. Droughts are expected to increase in severity and lead to persistent dry <br />conditions. Additionally, it is also predicted that intense rainfall events will increase, leading to flash <br />floods. This will not ease drought conditions and could, in fact, lead to intensified flood-drought cycles. <br />3.7.7 VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT <br />3.7.7.1 People <br />According to the National Drought Mitigation Center, droughts have both direct and indirect impacts on <br />people. All individuals who live, work, and recreate within the county are at risk from the impacts of <br />drought. Drought can lead to impacts on the water supply, and agriculture impacts. Health effects such <br />as an increased risk of respiratory issues due to dry, dusty conditions can also impact residents of <br />Ramsey County. <br />3.7.7.2 Property <br />Structures, utilities, and transportation are minimally impacted by drought. Drought’s impacts on soils <br />can impact home and building foundations; according to the Drought Impact Reporter (DIR), the <br />Mankato Free Press reported on some Twin Cities homes having developed cracks in foundations and <br />interior walls due to drought conditions in 2022. All property in the county is vulnerable to the impacts <br />of drought. <br />Drought can also create water supply challenges by reducing groundwater availability for domestic and <br />government uses. The DIR notes multiple instances since the year 2000 of water usage restrictions. <br />Based on available data and stakeholder input, there have been no significant developments or land use <br />changes since the last plan update that have increased or decreased the overall risk or exposure to this <br />hazard. <br />3.7.7.3 Environment <br />Drought is significantly impactful to the environment and natural resources. Long-term drought can <br />impact lake and river levels. It impacts agriculture through crop loss, insect infestations, plant diseases, <br />and wind erosion. Algae blooms occur in the river, and streams may be cut off. Environmental losses <br />also include plants and wildlife, because air and water quality can plummet with associated dust, <br />wildland fires, and habitat loss. Extreme heat alongside drought may amplify these impacts. <br />3.7.7.4 County and Community Operations <br />The impact of a drought on a community can be profound, impacting water supply, agriculture, <br />economy, public health, and the environment. Drought can strain on water systems and infrastructure – <br />increased demand and decreased supply can stress the water infrastructure, possibly leading to failure <br />and the need to invest in costly maintenance and/or new infrastructure to ensure a reliable water